Everyone knows they shouldn’t litter, but there are still some who ignore the message or overlook the impact of what may seem like small or unnoticeable actions.
Litter accumulates. It’s ugly. The culmination of small transgressions by litterers – even those that happen by accident – looks bad in our community. One piece of litter turns to two, then three, and more. We are each responsible to stop litter before it starts.
The only place litter belongs is in a garbage can, organics or recycling bin. If there isn’t a bin close by, take it with you. Don’t leave it for another person (or animal) to pick up.
If you would like to help clean-up litter in your neighbourhood, there are a few programs that can help your efforts.
The Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up
The Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up is a program coordinated by Clean Foundation and supported in part by the municipality.
Pick-Me-Up programs usually take place in spring, however, any time of year is a good time. Litter is a problem that needs our attention year-round.
How to get involved
All you have to do is select an area you would like to clean, gather a group of people (friends, family, coworkers, schoolmates, etc.) and register with Clean Foundation.
Clean Foundation will provide you with a free kit that includes an information booklet, safety tips, advertising posters, garbage and recycling bags, and a data card to track of what types of litter you find.
How to dispose of the litter you collect
Garbage and recycling can be disposed of by dividing it between participants and placing it curbside with your household waste. This material will count towards the current limit 6 garbage bags per single unit household and sorting rules still apply. There is no limit for the amount of recyclables you can put out for collection.
Contact Clean Foundation (902.420.3474) two weeks prior to your event to arrange for how to dispose of the garbage you collect. You can:
- ask for onsite collection of bagged waste by municipal staff
- deliver collected garbage directly to the Otter Lake Waste Facility—if your event is registered in the Pick-Me-Up program, your tipping fees will be waived
Adopt-A-Highway
Adopt-A-Highway groups commit to cleaning a five km section of secondary highway or a 100 series highway interchange/exit, twice per year. Groups must be registered with the program and have the chosen section approved.