EcoSuperior Environmental Programs

Litter Prevention In Thunder Bay

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"The presence of litter in a community decreases property values by 7%"

(Litter in America:  2009 National Litter Research Findings and Recommendations)

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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. See below for some background information, as well as tips, programs, and tools we can all use to help make Thunder Bay clean, green and litter-free.

Background

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.
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)

Cleaning Up

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   (Each year in May)

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  (Each year in September)

Receptacles (Litter, Recycling and Cigarette Butts)

Provide ample and convenient litter and recycling bins, as well as cigarette receptacles at key transition points and gathering areas.

      Nominate a Litter Bin Location

Outdoor Ashtray Suppliers  in Thunder Bay

Personal (Pocket) Ashtrays for Sale

Create and enforce by-laws to address litter in the community.

Page last updated on Monday, March 21, 2011