LITTER:
Facts and Prevention
Litter is misplaced solid waste - blown by wind and traffic and carried by water. It travels until trapped by a curb, building or fence. Once litter has accumulated, it invites people to add more.
A statewide study conducted by ODNR found that over 11 thousand tons of litter accumulates on Ohio's road ways each year. This litter just doesn't appear -- it's the result of careless attitudes and waste handling. Is there anything to do about it? Knowing more about litter and where it comes from is a good place to start.
See Also:
Seven Sources of Litter
Often motorists and pedestrians are blamed for litter. According to Keep America Beautiful, however, they are just two of seven primary sources:
- Household trash at the curbside
- Dumpsters used by businesses
- Loading docks
- Construction and demolition sites
- Uncovered trucks
- Motorists
- Pedestrians
Litter is a costly problem that we all end up paying for to clean up Ohio's highways, parks and waterways.
Litter Gets You Right Where You Live
The act of littering can harm the environment in many ways. Litter can cause injury to area wildlife, pose threats to human health and is aesthetically displeasing.
When discarded as litter, human-made materials such as plastic, glass and aluminum can cause external injury to animals or, if accidentally ingested, cause starvation or suffocation. These objects may also become the home for disease-spreading insects such as flies and mosquitoes.
What You Can Do To Help
Set an example for others, especially children, by not littering.
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Carry a litterbag in your car, boat and on your bicycle.
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Securely cover trash containers to prevent wind or animals from spreading litter
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Cover and secure any vehicle, truck or trailer carrying a load. Tarps can prevent litter from falling or blowing onto the roadside.
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When visiting parks and recreation areas make sure to leave the area clean for the next person to enjoy.
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Encourage local gas stations and fast food restaurants to make trash receptacles available to the public.
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Keep storage bins and dumpsters near loading docks to reduce debris from scattering.
The State of Ohio also offers excellent opportunities for volunteers to participate in clean-up programs. The Adopt-A-Highway program, sponsored by the Ohio Department of Transportation, as well as the Adopt-A-Waterway program sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
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