During 2005, KPB teamed with the municipal
police officers training authority to develop and disseminate
a fact sheet on PA litter and illegal dumping laws. Click
here to download this fact sheet as a PDF file.
In 2006, the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Law & Enforcement
Committee is undertaking three major projects:
- Develop a “Best Practices Manual” describing
enforcement methods that have been effective in communities
across PA. The manual will include information on Allentown’s
SWEEP program. For detailed information on this innovative
approach click
here
- Research effective methods of engaging local courts in
enforcing litter and other quality of life offenses. Develop
training & outreach for court officials.
- Explore the feasibility of environmental/quality of life
courts in Pennsylvania in cooperation with all the KPB alliance
members and Pennsylvania’s court agencies and authorities.
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As the state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, KPB
is able to bring the nationally recognized litter abatement
tools to communities across Pennsylvania.
Keep America Beautiful advocates a five step process to
addressing the core issue of litter cleanup, abatement, and
prevention. These steps form a simple, yet effective
approach:
1. Get the Facts |
2. Involve the people |
3. Plan Systematically |
4. Focus on results |
5. Provide positive reinforcement |
KAB has a basic tool kit to effectively implement this recommended
approach:
- Litter Index – An Assessment and evaluation
tool
The Litter Index evaluates, through visual and
written scoring, the amount of litter in selected community
areas. Conducting the Litter Index helps build consensus
on priority problem areas. As a quantitative measure
of progress over time, it is a useful tool for tracking
improvement and assessing whether activities are effectively
deterring litter. The
initial Litter Index establishes “baseline conditions.” Consistent
use of the Litter Index on an annual basis can help track
overall progress in reducing litter, and can quantitatively
express success in community improvement. The Litter
Index has been designed to be flexible and allow for individual
judgment in making choices appropriate for local circumstances. It
is reliable for both large and small communities.
- Litter/Solid
Waste Survey – An assessment and
development tool:
This is an information-gathering process that assesses
current community activities to manage solid waste
and litter. The survey provides a base line of practices,
regulations, and resources to help set objectives and
develop programs. Based on survey results, a community
can effectively design or recommend projects to target
specific concerns.
- Community Attitude Survey – An
assessment tool
The Keep America Beautiful Community
Attitude Survey is used measure public opinion about
litter and littering. This simple survey will heighten
public awareness about litter, and provide community
leaders with insight about the types of education or
public awareness that are needed to change litter behavior. Repeat
the survey after implementation of litter activities
to measure any changes in public attitudes and behavior. The
survey may be revised or adapted to meet the individual
community needs.
- Cost/Benefit Analysis – An
evaluation and measurement tool
This tool helps communities
establish a price tag for the value of community programs.
In addition to calculating private donations, grants,
and government contributions, it includes assessing
the value of in-kind gifts, volunteer hours, and other
services.
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