Grey Highlands is looking at ways to make the municipality litter-free.
Council approved staff launching an education campaign to promote a litter-free community, as well as review an adopt-a-road policy and program, and look at current waste and recycling receptacles and signage at public parks and municipal facilities during a meeting last week.
This follows a delegation in May about keeping Beaver Valley clean by addressing roadside litter. Council approved having staff look into options for a litter-free municipality.
Environmental Compliance Specialist Jenn Eagan says in a report staff have looked into how other municipalities in Ontario go about addressing litter.
“There are numerous options available to approach a litter-free Grey Highlands,” says Eagan. “A simple start would be to launch a public education campaign through our normal channels to promote anti-littering and proper waste disposal.
She adds the education and awareness campaign could run throughout the year and would feature awareness days on litter, including on Earth Day or Provincial Day of Action on Litter.
“A lot of municipalities have developed programs to work with their local schools to educate and engage on waste initiatives. Staff would be able to reach out to local schools to see about opportunities to promote a litter-free municipality,” says Eagan.
Eagan adds they could also look into a community clean-up program by possibly supplying clean up supplies, as well as launch a campaign which would include draws for prizes for those who participate.
Additionally, she says a review of the existing community waste and recycling bins can be done to identify any gaps in current operations.
The municipality does have a by-law against illegal dumping, which carries a $300 fine per incident.
“Through the education and awareness campaigns, we can encourage more reporting of littering through our by-law enforcement,” says Eagan. “Due to the difficulty in enforcement of this by-law, staff are not recommending a review at this time.”