If you’ve driven around lately, you may have noticed a problem – litter. It seems that some folks think it’s OK to throw trash in our communities and on our beautiful streets. Well, it’s not OK.
In fact, littering is a crime in North Carolina. Litterbugs can be fined up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $2,000 for the second offense. If found guilty, a litterbug can be penalized with one point on his driver’s license. If you see a litterbug in action, call *HP to report him or use the Swat-A-Litterbug form online.
But guess what? You don’t have to catch a litterbug in action to make a difference. You can join the City of Lenoir, your friends, and your neighbors, and take part in the NC Litter Sweep April 14-28, 2018!
To encourage residents, City of Lenoir employees plan to pick up litter during Litter Sweep, and the City is sponsoring a contest for residents and businesses, “Litter-Free Lenoir NC”.
The contest is easy. Post a picture to Facebook or Twitter of you and your friends picking up litter April 14-18, and add the hashtag #LitterFreeLenoirNC. At the end of Litter Sweep, we’ll enter the submissions into a drawing for several prizes including a One-Year Family Membership to the Lenoir Aquatic and Fitness Center; a roll out trash can, and gift certificates from local business. If your business wants to donate prizes to encourage residents to participate, contact Joshua Harris, Public Information Officer, at 828-757-2177, or jharris@ci.lenoir.nc.us.
If every resident and business participates and picks up litter in their front yard or in front of their store, we can keep Lenoir, NC litter-free!
Litter Sweep Materials and Procedures
NCDOT provides free litter sweep materials including gloves, trash bags, and safety vests. Contact the local NCDOT division office at 828-726-2512, and let staff know you want some litter pickup materials. Supplies may be limited, so call in advance. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. It is located at 500 Pleasant Hill Rd.
NCDOT Litter Sweep Volunteer Cleanup Procedures
Safety Tips
Captain Brent Phelps with the Lenoir Police Department had a few safety tips for anyone picking up litter during the Litter Sweep.
“Be sure to wear a reflective vest or something bright that is visible,” Phelps said. “Walk against traffic, so vehicles are not approaching you from the rear, and be mindful of any suspicious items of trash that could cut or create an injury if picked up incorrectly.”
Phelps said it’s safer to pick up in a group, so be sure to encourage some friends and family to go along!
Useful Links
NCDOT Litter Sweep
https://www.ncdot.gov/doh/operations/dp_chief_eng/roadside/Beautification/LitterSweep/
Swat-A-Litterbug Program
https://www.ncdot.gov/doh/operations/dp_chief_eng/roadside/Beautification/Litterbug/
NC Public Safety Litter Free NC
https://www.ncdps.gov/dps-services/crime-prevention/litter-free-nc
Want to Donate a Prize?
If your business wants to donate prizes to encourage residents to participate, contact Joshua Harris, Public Information Officer, at 828-757-2177, or jharris@ci.lenoir.nc.us. We’ll update the prize list as donations are made and we’ll give you thanks and a shout out in our news release and posts on social media.
