When Will We Learn?
Litter is "misplaced solid waste" resulting from careless attitudes and waste handling. It is behavioral in origin and can best be changed with awareness and education. Keep America Beautiful research has found that people litter when common forms of behavior indicate that littering is OK. For example, many smokers have "accepted the norm": to throw used cigarette butts on the ground or out car windows. Another "accepted norm" is to leave wrappers and other waste under theater and arena seats during and after a movie or game.
Additional research found that people litter if they do not feel (or have not been educated to accept) any share of personal "ownership" in, or responsibility for areas in the community we all share like streets, parks, beaches, sidewalks, etc. Also, people litter when they believe someone else will pick up after them. A contributing factor to this mind set is that most littler has accumulated in a given place.
Litter is also a costly problem. City, county, and state highway departments spend millions of dollars and many hours each year cleaning up litter. This is money and time that could be better used to meet community needs. Aside from the direct cost issue, litter is responsible for about 2,500 accidents each year.
Why People Litter
Based upon research conducted by Keep America Beautiful, Inc., people litter because:
- They feel no sense of ownership, even though areas such as parks and beaches are public property.
- They believe someone else (a park maintenance or highway worker) will pick up after them.
- Litter has already accumulated ("litter begets litter").
The Seven Primary Sources of Litter
Not surprisingly, motorists and pedestrians are often blamed for litter. However, the greatest amount of litter is generated from other sources as follows:
- Improperly bagged garbage
- Dumpsters used by businesses
- Loading docks
- Construction and Demolition Sites
- Trucks with Uncovered or Unsecured Loads
- Pedestrians
- Motorists
Is your Business Litter-Free?
Maybe not, but Mecklenburg County is encouraging all area businesses to take a few moments to make sure! National research shows that a sizable percentage of litter comes from businesses and commercial settings, especially in the loading dock and dumpster areas.
By examining your operations to identify sources of litter and how it is handled, you can help ensure that Mecklenburg County is a cleaner, safer and more productive place to work.
This checklist is a simple means to help identify problem area. After analyzing your results, it is usually just a matter of taking effective, inexpensive steps to reduce your litter sources.
Bulk Container Pick-up
- Are containers and receptacles covered?
- Is the container/receptacle capacity adequate?
- Is the collection frequent enough?
- Are end-of-day cleanups conducted?
- Are excess materials securely tied?
Loading and Unloading Area
- Are litter receptacles light enough to be moved as needed, and emptied as necessary?
- Receptacles covered to prevent spillage?
- Are end-of-day cleanups conducted?
- Are excess materials securely tied?
Parking Lots, Sidewalks, Driveways, and Rights-of-Way
- Are litter receptacles placed where needed?
- Are receptacles situated near entrances and exits?
- Are parking lots, sidewalks and driveways cleaned and swept regularly?
- Are litter containers strategically located?
- Is the right-of-way cleaned when needed?
Planted Areas
- Are these areas cleared of accumulated litter on a regular basis?
- Is the litter cleanup equipment adequate for collecting litter at these sites?
- Are green areas regularly mowed, edged, and trimmed?
Company Vehicles
- Are company trucks covering loose materials to prevent spillage?
- Are company cars and trucks equipped with litter bags?
Please call 704.432-1772 to reach the Litter Prevention Coordinator.
