When trash – such as plastic wrappers, bottles, cigarette butts, paper containers, etc. – is dropped on the ground, it can make its way into storm drains and directly into our waterways untreated. Trash is not just an eyesore along streets, parks and waterways in our community, it can negatively impact wildlife and present hazards for fisherman and boaters.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Items that are continually at the top of the list of trash found at beach cleanups locally and worldwide are, plastic, cigar tips and cigarette filters. (Ocean Conservancy)
- Cigarette filter/butts are NOT biodegradable. The acetate filters take years to decompose, and the toxic chemicals trapped in the filters can leak into aquatic ecosystems, threatening our water resources.
- Plastics break down into tiny pieces called micro plastics in water, then release toxic chemicals swallowed by fish, birds, snakes, and other wildlife.
- It can take 600 years for plastic monofilament fishing line to decompose.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Don’t litter! Lake Erie is our source of drinking water. We need to do our part to prevent pollution and to educate others to not litter.
- Follow the 3R’s (REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE) wherever possible.
- Use reusable shopping bags instead of the plastic bags handed out at the store.
- Don’t overfill trash cans on windy days and always provide tight fitting lids during outdoor storage.
- If you see illegal dumping notify the local authorities.
For more information, contact the City of Mentor Building and Engineering Department at (440) 255-1100 or building@cityofmentor.com.