Litter. What is Litter?

Litter is a problem in many communities. What is litter? Litter consists of various types of garbage, including cigarettes butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles, old tires, and even old cars and appliances. This unwanted garbage is then disposed of improperly by people outside of areas which are specifically designated for waste disposal. Litter can often be found by the side of the road as unconscientious drivers throw their trash out of the window, or from large trucks carrying various materials that are improperly secured. Litter can also be left over from picnics, camping, hiking, or any other activity which brings people together and creates garbage in a public place.

Litter is a serious issue for a number of reasons. First and foremost, litter is a problem because it makes a community an unpleasant place to be. Excess garbage lying around everywhere is ugly, and it makes people lose pride in their community due to its shabby appearance and poor upkeep. In addition, it can also be a serious health hazard. Litter is a breeding ground for rats, insects, and other disease carrying vermin. An area overrun by litter may soon find itself facing a serious rat or cockroach infestation. Also, any litter which allows standing water to collect, like old tires or plastic containers left lying around, will provide an ideal breeding place for mosquitos. In addition to being a pest, mosquitos can also carry serious, even deadly diseases such as West Nile Virus.

For these reasons, it is important to be aware of littler within your community. There are several ways to help. Report any litterers to local authorities. Many areas have a hotline which you can call to report the license plate number of a vehicle from which someone has littered. Another good way to deal with litter is to organize a litter pick up or community cleaning day. This will not only clear an area of litter, but it will also help to instill a sense of pride and community within residents of a neighborhood.