Post-Winter Litter Problems – Melting Snow Reveals Months Of Garbage, Debris
Erie County volunteers come together for annual International Coastal Cleanup.
(YourErie.com) Whether it’s plastic bottles or cups near waterways, smashed cans scattered in the grass, or plastic bags caught in the branches of a bush or tree — Litter is everywhere this time of year.
Throughout the winter, snow may have covered up the litter, but now, you’ll find it everywhere.
“People see green grass and they think that this is a great time to get out of their houses to pick up the sticks and branches in their own backyards. But as you drive around the melting snow reveals a whole variety of other issues that are happening out there,” said Don Benczkowski, program coordinator for the Lake Erie region of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful.
Most litter is the direct result of human activity, and shows off how much waste we produce through “one-time-use” items, like fast food wrappers, cups bottles, straws and cigarette butts.
It finds its way to a sidewalk or yard near you after someone disposes of it incorrectly, and the wind or rain carries it sometimes miles away from where it was dropped.
“Trash is coming in from all over the place. It’s not necessarily ours. During one of the first coastal cleanup events that I coordinated, we had a garbage can that came from Cleveland Metroparks. We picked that up in Springfield Township,” said Benczkowski.
While the City of Erie and surrounding municipalities collect your trash that is put out on collection day, oftentimes, they’re not the ones picking loose items up by hand.
It’s why those with Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are advocating for you to get involved.
Want to get involved? Learn more about the Pick Up PA Program!
