Cessnock City Council is conducting an education program targeting litter from vehicles and on roadsides on Wollombi Road, Bellbird and Wine Country Drive, Pokolbin after receiving a grant from the NSW Environment Protection Authority.

“What we really need to emphasise throughout this litter blitz is that even one person can make a difference,” Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said.

“Instead of chucking your rubbish out of your car window, think about how much damage that causes the environment and save it to pop in the bin once you’re home. Just a little bit of thoughtful effort can have such a huge impact.”

The Bellbird clean-up will take place from 10am to 2pm Thursday.

In addition to the clean-up, new signs will be erected on Wollombi Road and Wine Country Drive encouraging motorists to take their rubbish with them and how to report vehicles that they have observed littering.

Several local service stations and takeaway food businesses are also participating in the program by having free vehicle litter bags and postcards available for customers outlining how to report vehicles that litter.