Individual Actions Add Up
It’s one thing to talk about litter. But to be litter free we all have to do something about it. Here’s a list of everyday tips to help you UnLitter Us in lots of little ways. Read them, remember them, and by all means act on them. That’s how you’ll become part of this movement!
- Request an UnLitter Us presentation. Call 215-871-0400.
- Start a Litter Free Zone.
- At home, make sure garbage and recycling bags are tied securely so that loose papers and other items cannot fall out and become litter.
- Do not overfill your trash or recycling containers; exposed garbage will likely result in litter.
- Cardboard boxes just don’t cut it! Please don’t use them as containers for trash/recycling removal, regardless of who collects it! Use any hard-sided container for recycling, and trashcan or bag for trash.
- Hold onto your trash until you reach a trash/recycling receptacle.
- City litter baskets are for pedestrian use only, so please don’t use them to dispose of your household trash
- Storm drains ARE NOT trash cans. Look for a trash can instead!
- Put a lid on it! Closing the lid on your trash containers before setting them curbside will help prevent spillage of trash onto your street.
- Promptly remove flyers or take-out menus from your front door or windshield before they are blown away and become litter. To stop them from being delivered…call 311.
- Become a PMBC Block Captain.
- Don’t be a butthead! Smokers are among the most common litterers. Pick up your cigarette butts and look for an ashtray, please!
- Approximately 380 billion plastic bags are used in the United States every year. That’s more than 1,200 bags per US resident, per year. Reduce the number of bags you use by buying a reusable bag or recycling your used ones.
- Next time you’re shopping, don’t take a plastic bag if you can just carry your purchase.
- Americans will buy an estimated 25 billion single-serving, plastic water bottles this year. 8 out of 10 (22 billion) will end up in a landfill. Make sure to recycle your bottle or buy a reusable bottle!
- Got oversized items? Automotive tires and appliances, such as stoves, washing machines, refrigerators, hot water heaters, etc. can be disposed of through a private hauler or residents may bring these items (limit of two) to their nearest Sanitation Convenience Center.
- Most people disregard their trash while on the road. Don’t be environmentally negligent; keep a litterbag in your car!
- Get involved with the Philadelphia Recycling Rewards program to get cool prizes simply by recycling!
- Set an example by not littering!
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