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But Where Do We Start?

Trash thrown over Hillside Apr 11, 2006

When was the last time you saw someone littering?

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.

 

Why Do People Litter?

People litter because:

• They feel no sense of ownership, even though areas such as parks and beaches are public property.
• They believe someone else will pick up after them.
• Litter has already accumulated.
• It’s convenient.

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 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.

Litter is a costly problem that we all end up paying for to clean up West Virginia’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.

Some Help for Disposing of Trash

Trash pickup:

The city’s trash department will pick up bulky trash items on a per-call basis. Yard waste and household items must be kept separate, as they go to different landfills. The city will not pick up tires, car batteries, paint, motor oil, appliances that contain freon and other hazardous chemicals. The free service is for Huntington residents only. To arrange a pick-up time, call the city's public works department at (304) 696-4431 from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Deitz Hollow Landfill:

From 8 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and third Saturday of each month, Dietz Hollow Landfill in Guyandotte accepts furniture, small construction materials and appliances, yard waste and bundled newspapers and magazines. The landfill will not take tires, car batteries, paint, motor oil, appliances that contain freon and other hazardous chemicals. The free service is for Huntington residents only. For more information, call (304) 696-4431.

 

Litter Gets You Right Where You Live