"The presence of litter in a community decreases property values by 7%"
(Litter in America: 2009 National Litter Research Findings and Recommendations)
Few things detract from a City’s appearance more than litter. Discarded coffee cups, fast-food and candy wrappers, and cigarette butts send a message to citizens and visitors alike that there is a lack of pride. Numerous studies have been done about the root causes of littering, sources, consequences and solutions:
Reasons people Litter:
- The lack of a sense of ownership, even in public property.
- The belief that someone else will pick up after them (i.e. park maintenance or highway worker)
- The presence of existing litter sends a message that littering is acceptable.
- Inadequate waste/recycling bins.
- Occasionally, littering is accidental.
Sources of Litter:
- Pedestrians and motorists
- Poorly maintained or secured dumpsters or waste bins used by businesses
- Household waste handling and improper containment at curb
- Trucks with uncovered loads
- Construction and demolition sites
- Loading docks
- Smokers
- Special events/festivals
Consequences of Litter
- Tax dollars are spent on clean-up efforts, money which could be directed to other services.
- The presence of litter has been proven to reduce property values, as noted above.
- Businesses are less likely to move into an area that lacks pride in its appearance.
- Sends a negative message to citizens and visitors, indicating a lack of pride, and/or that it is acceptable to litter.
- Litter is harmful to wildlife and water systems. Cigarette butts, plastic bags and other items are mistaken for food; while fishing line, strapping from shipments, and six-pack rings entangle birds and other animals. Cigarette butts contain toxic chemicals which are harmful to fish.
Solutions to the Litter Problem
- Educational campaigns, especially to young people, that littering is unacceptable.
Litter Free Thunder Bay Activity Book (pdf)
Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up Educational Activities (pdf)
- Engaging people in litter clean-ups is a great opportunity to raise their awareness about litter as an issue, and to increase their commitment to prevent litter. Since one of the strongest contributors to littering is the prevalence of existing litter, on-going clean-up and beautification efforts are very important, at least until the time that littering is no longer a problem.
Spring Up to Clean Up (May 2010)
Adopt-a-Road - call Mike Miron at 474-4803 (City of Thunder Bay Roads Division)
Adopt-a-Park - call Thunder Bay Parks Division at 625-2351
Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-Up (September 18-26, 2010)
- Provide ample and convenient litter and recycling bins, as well as cigarette receptacles at key transition points and gathering areas.
Cigarette Receptacle Rebate Program for Workplaces (pdf)
Litter Prevention Tips for Workplaces
Organize a Litter-Free and Green Event
- Create and enforce by-laws to address litter in the community.
More Resources
- Litter Prevention is up to all of us. Check out Litter Prevention Tips for Everyone for ways to stop litter before it hits the ground.
- We have two posters about cigarette litter. Feel free to download them:
This is Litter Too (pdf)
Lake Superior is Not an Ash Tray (pdf)
- For more local tips and news, visit Litter Free Thunder Bay’s website where you can report abandoned shopping carts, and learn more.
Let's work together to make a clean, green and beautiful Thunder Bay!
EcoSuperior received funding from the City of Thunder Bay’s Clean, Green & Beautiful Committee in 2009-2010 to work with Litter Free Thunder Bay on litter prevention.
Page last updated on Thursday, June 24, 2010
