RACQ Ergon Energy Tidy Towns Regional Award Winner

(Environmental Health Services)

Litter Prevention Award
This award recognises outstanding accomplishment in litter prevention, management and education. General litter awareness signage is used on bins, street light standards, and at waste facilities. A strong education program includes school visits, a mobile unit, and a waste management game, WALOR (What a Load of Rubbish). The most recent initiative, in association with the Butt Littering Trust, has been a Butt-Free City Week, with active promotion of correct butt disposal and the signing of personal pledges by smokers to butt it, then bin it. Audits have shown a substantial decrease in butt litter. Litter hot-spot analyses are undertaken to ensure the most effective siting of bins. Dog litter bags are provided in major parks and all off-leash areas. Fact sheets on dog litter are distributed through the RSPCA, veterinary clinics, and dog clubs. The Council has three litter teams, provides additional bins and services as needed for special events, and actively promotes and participates in clean up activities. Gross pollutant traps and appropriate reed beds at strategic points prevent transfer of litter into waterways. The city’s transfer stations and landfill sites are well fenced to prevent litter blow. Townsville’s dynamic and proactive approaches to litter management and education produce positive results that are evident throughout this clean city.