initiative has once again taken to the streets to remind residents not
to litter.
A banner on the side of the Fourth Street parking garage, which is
visible from Interstate 277, doesn't just wag a finger at litterbugs:
The massive sign – which says "Get Your Ash Off Charlotte Streets" –
gives residents a way to respond to them. Residents who catch
litterbugs in the act of flicking cigarette butts out their car
windows can call the Swat a Litterbug hot line at (704) 432-1772. The
offender will then receive a reminder from the County that there are
better ways to dispose of butts and other waste.
The banner is only one of many ways Keep Mecklenburg Beautiful is
helping to keep residents on their toes. Billboards on Brookshire
Boulevard, Independence Boulevard, and N.C. 49 offer the same gentle
reminders.
"We need to make smokers aware that cigarette butts are litter, a fire
hazard and a pollutant – especially if they get washed down the storm
water drain," said Jake Wilson, executive director of Keep Mecklenburg
Beautiful. "We spend a significant amount of taxpayers' money cleaning
up after they are tossed out of the car windows on city streets so
'keep it in the car!' "
