NEWPORT NEWS — The city has released some guidelines meant to help cut down on the amount of litter that seems to accumulate in the community.
According to the city, there’s no such thing as a little litter and the cost of removing all that litter from communities and businesses is substantial.
If left unattended, trash, cigarette butts and plastic waste can reduce property values, harm local waterways, endanger wildlife and impact quality of life, the city said.
While there are expenses associated with keeping the areas around signs, office doors, and parking lots litter-free, consider the cost of fixing a business’ image in the marketplace.
The city said everyone can work together to prevent litter on the ground and in the waterways.
Here are a few tips that businesses and residents can use to help keep the city clean:
Good to do – businesses
- Include litter education in employee training and incorporate litter prevention strategies into regular employee tasks.
- Engage your employees; ask for their input.
- Provide convenient trash, ash and recycling receptacles at “transition points” to give customers a proper disposal option. Don’t forget receptacles for employee break areas as well.
- Use only covered trash, ash and recycling containers to eliminate trash from spilling or blowing out.
- Evaluate your packaging; the distribution of straws/condiments/napkins (for food services); and the need for paper receipts, plastic bags, etc.
- Post Team Up 2 Clean Up posters or brochures to remind customers and employees that your business cares about litter prevention.
- Rally the troops and organize a Team Up 2 Clean Up event in or around your business.
Good to do – everyone
- If you see trash around the neighborhood, pick it up. Be a good neighbor and set an example.
- Keep litter and other debris off the streets to prevent it from entering storm drains and ditches.
- Be sure trash and recycling containers stay covered to prevent trash from spilling or blowing out.
Good to do – schools & youth groups
- “Adopt” an area and clean up litter regularly.
- Display signage that encourages people to throw trash away properly.
- Host a “litter-free” event.
- Launch a litter prevention project with funds from the askHRgreen.org Mini Grant Program.
For tips and to learn about litter programs available, visit askHRgreen.org.
