Mr Chambers, of Rutherglen, said it was the role of Keep Australia Beautiful to work with the community, governments and industry to change the behaviour of litterers.

He urged those wanting to comment on ways to improve recycling and reduce litter to attend a public forum in Albury on February 24, one of 11 to be held nationally.

“The focus should not be solely on beverage containers but more broadly about litter reduction and resource recovery,” Mr Chambers said.

Mr Chambers said he had picked up several dozen items, predominantly drink bottles, within 20 metres when he stopped at a roadside rest area between Rutherglen and Wodonga yesterday.

“We have a long way to go to be rid of litter entirely,” he said.

“The packaging of alcohol has made a difference to littering, as has the coffee cup syndrome, the increase in the provision of takeaway coffee cups is now a significant part of the litter stream.

“We are talking with environment ministers and deputy environment ministers to get them to take a bipartisan approach; we want all sides of politics to come together.”

A project due to start in April, will involve North East councils testing theories promoted by the National Bin Network on ways to increase recycling.

The trial is expected to last up to two years.

This month’s Albury forum will be held on Friday, February 24 between 10.15am and 12.45pm at the Quest Albury apartments.

To register email waste.paper@derm.qld.gov.au and include your name, organisation, contact details and number and names of attendees.

Written submissions close on March 30 and should be sent to SCEW.Secretariat@environ- ment.gov.au or Standing Council on Environment and Water Secretariat, GPO Box 787, Canberra ACT 2601.