Through LCSWMA’s sponsorship of Keep Lancaster County Beautiful (an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful), this Cigarette Litter Prevention Program incorporates a strategic approach that involves businesses, law enforcement, local governments, community organizations and, most importantly, smokers themselves.
The program integrates four proven approaches:
— encouraging enforcement of litter laws, including cigarette litter;
— raising awareness about the issue using public service messages;
— placing ash receptacles at transition points such as near entrances to public buildings; and
— distributing pocket ashtrays to adult smokers.
In 2009, the Manheim Downtown Development Group created an Adopt-A-Block program that encourages individuals to take action and responsibility in keeping the downtown area clean, friendly and beautiful.
Through the Cigarette Litter Prevention Program, the group purchased 3 ash receptacles and received 600 portable ashtray units.
"Business or property owners interested in purchasing one of the ash receptacles for their location can contact the Manheim Downtown Development Group," says Doreen Ober, Main Street Manager "The portable ashtrays can be picked up at the Manheim Downtown Development Group Office and the Manheim Borough Office."
Additionally, volunteers will work with the Manheim residents to increase awareness, helping to reduce cigarette litter in their community.
“The Cigarette Litter Prevention Program and the Adopt-A-Block program recognize public areas as extensions of our individual private properties,” says Ms. Ober. “When Manheim is beautified and kept clean and free from litter, it reflects well on the quality of life and the town's character.”
Similar cigarette litter prevention programs have proven effective in other communities to cut down on cigarette butts and cigars tips that are discarded on streets, sidewalks and public areas.
Tobacco products, including cigarette butts, are the most littered item in America, representing nearly 38 percent of all items, according to “Litter in America,” a study by Keep America Beautiful. This research also showed that many individuals may not consider tossing cigarette butts on the ground “littering.” Hence, education is an important component of the program.
Since 2001, volunteers of the Manheim Downtown Development Group continue to donate their time and talent, reinvesting in the downtown area and fostering activities that empower residents, retain businesses, improve overall quality of life and obtain financial sustainability for Manheim. Volunteers are comprised of business owners, property owners and residents of Penn Township, Rapho Township and Manheim Borough.
For more information, visit Keep PA Beautiful’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program webpage.