Public Works Raises Litter Awareness

As litter continues to become a concern in Prince William County, the Department of Public Works seeks to raise awareness and educate the community on litter prevention from April to May. This comes on the heels of a recent change in structure within Public Works, where litter prevention is now under the department's Solid Waste Management Division.

Despite this change in leadership, the operation of the Litter Maintenance Crew will remain the same. While community members may question what litter clean-up will look like in the County, the department plans to re-focus the public on ways the government and community can collaborate to lead in responsible stewardship of the County's roadways, residential and rural common areas, and environmental landscapes.

Ultimately, such collaboration will help reduce the effect litter has on the environment, community health and quality of life, economic development, and the County's circular economy efforts.

In addition, with April marking the start of Litter Awareness Month, the Department of Public Works urges community reflection on litter's impacts on the local environment and emphasizes that litter is both a local and national issue.

A recent study by Keep America Beautiful revealed that nearly 50 billion pieces of litter are present on the nation's roadways, with common litter items including cigarette butts, plastic containers and film, fast food packaging, candy wrappers, and snack bags.

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Much of the litter results from existing litter on roadways and community areas and the lack of nearby trash cans in community areas. Other culprits include uncovered and unsecured loads being transported to County disposal facilities, posing significant issues that endanger the environment and motorists.

According to metrics provided by Public Works’ partner Keep Prince William Beautiful, their clean-up efforts resulted in almost six tons of litter being collected between January and December 2023 by the non-profit and its volunteers.

While these are great ways for the County Government and its partners to mitigate litter, some responsibility still resides in the hands of residents, businesses, and other affiliated community members.

In the spirit of Litter Awareness Month, Public Works would like to provide some helpful tips for residents, businesses, and community members to reduce litter in the area.

The department knows changing littering behavior can be difficult, but the benefits that come from a litter-free county are rewarding. For more information about litter prevention visit the Public Works Website: www.pwcva.gov/department/solid-waste-management/litter-control. For questions or concerns regarding litter residents may contact the Solid Waste Management Division at [email protected].