Memphis, TN (March 1, 2018) – Tossing your drink cup or food wrapper into the street or sidewalk can earn you a fine for littering, also leading to more serious problems. Besides being unsightly, the litter can create a blockage in the storm drains leading to neighborhood flooding.
In addition, storm water carrying the litter flows from street inlets through the drainage system and discharges into local creeks and rivers and eventually into McKellar Lake or the Mississippi River. Litter poses a serious threat to aquatic life by being mistaken for food and by destroying their habitat. In addition to the environmental hazards, no one enjoys seeing litter along the water’s edge.
The Storm Water Department strives to educate the public about the negative impact of littering. The Department also encourages and supports neighborhood clean-up efforts by providing trash bags, gloves, and other materials. These clean-up projects can include marking curbside drains with “storm water only” placards. These endeavors will assist in minimizing the litter problem, but we also need the help of every citizen of Memphis, because only YOU can ELIMINATE LITTER.
PLEASE! BE PROUD OF YOUR CITY. HELP KEEP OUR WATERWAYS CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL.
For more information about neighborhood clean-ups, please visit our website at MemphisStormWater.com or contact the City’s Storm Water Department at 901-636-4349