Litter Prevention
Most people know that littering is illegal. But do you know that a littered community directly affects economic development, including property values. In fact, recent estimates are that litter costs Louisiana taxpayers $40 million annually. It contributes to flooding when it collects in ditches by preventing water from draining properly. Litter that makes it through the ditches ultimately ends up in waterways where it pollutes the water and creates a toxic environment for wildlife.
The four most common culprits are cigarette butts, fast food packaging and beverage containers. Litter is slow to biodegrade. Paper takes 2 to 5 months, a plastic bag takes 10 to 20 years and a single cigarette butt can take up to 15 years to biodegrade.
Citywide Cleanups
Community involvement is also a key component to efforts to reduce litter. KMB sponsors two citywide cleanups each year. Hundreds of volunteers join the in the effort each spring and fall. Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to participate. It is a great way for students to earn community service hours. Volunteers include young people from Boy and Girl Scout troops and school organizations. Volunteering at one of the cleanups is also a great family experience. Many families make it an educational day, teaching their children the importance of caring for and being a part of their community.
Additionally, KMB can schedule individual or group clean up events any time of the year.
E-mail kmb@cityofmandeville.com or call 985-624-3165 for more information or to schedule a cleanup.
A Clean Business Is Good For Business
Mandeville’s litter laws can be found in the city's Code of Ordinances
- Make sure your business dumpster is enclosed with a fence or screened with evergreen vegetation. Keep the lid and side doors on your dumpster closed at all times. Pick up any trash surrounding the dumpster.
- Keep the premises of your business clean. This includes all sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, green spaces and alleys. At the beginning or end of the day, have an employee empty trash and ash receptacles, and pick up trash surrounding your business including the parking lot.
- All businesses must have a trash and ash receptacles at the business entrance.
- Your business can help with the effort. Schedule community work days for your employees. Employees who are invested in their community will be invested in their workplace as well. KMB can schedule various gardening, litter, or recycling projects. Businesses can also Adopt-A-Spot in Mandeville which adds additional exposure for the business.
For more information contact KMB at kmb@cityofmandeville.com or (985)624-3165.
Contact Information
Christy Delgado
Mandeville City Hall
3101 East Causeway Approach
Mandeville, LA 70448
985-624-3165
kmb@cityofmandeville.com