Use caution when picking up litter, debris from roadways
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What was once a caring community partnership while spending quality time together cleaning roadway debris and keeping communities clean is becoming a dangerous undertaking. We must be educated about the different types of debris that one might innocently and unknowingly stumble upon. More and more dangerous, volatile debris continues to be dumped along highways and roadways. Sadly, everything from syringes, broken glass, cigarette butts, household items and human waste are all growing concerns. Not only do cluttered roads look bad to locals and tourists, they can be dangerously caustic and volatile. Debris falling off trucks or out of vehicles can damage cars, not to mention the environment we live in. Toxic chemicals on roadsides can put volunteer crews at risk without some precautionary measures and education.
Why so many litterbugs? One answer might be that there are more roads and more people driving on them. Another answer might be “behavioral.” But more obvious is the attitude, “someone else will pick up after me.” Then there is another group who simply doesn’t take the time to secure their garbage, which often leads to bags of garbage falling off trucks and pickups. And to make it even more annoying, they leave it where it dropped. Montana Code, Section 7-5-2109 carries a fine up to $200 if and when enforced.
Debris is a growing serious problem and volunteers, youth and caring community crews are put at risk because that “attitudinal thinking” has gone unchecked and without consequence. Dangerous chemicals from methamphetamine labs have been reported being dumped along highways and rural areas. Medical waste, including used syringes are also tossed onto highway shoulders. State workers receive training to avoid blood-borne pathogens but my point is that everyone should be trained on the hazards of community clean-up activities. Cigarette butts tossed out of cars by smokers add up to yet another toxic problem. So, what can we do? There is a lot we can do to make roadway clean-up activities safer:
• Wear full-legged trousers, long-sleeved shirts, hard-soled shoes, full-brimmed hat and bright colored clothing (including whites).
• Wear gloves.
• Don’t overfill trash bags.
• Work on the side of road facing oncoming traffic.
• Designate crew leaders to precede the group to scout roadways/highways before any clean-up begins.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Be cautious of broken glass or anything sharp.
• Be suspicious and avoid pop or plastic bottles with liquid or hoses attached.
• Avoid handling plastic bottles that could potentially contain urine or other human waste; if found, contact your crew leader.
• Notify law enforcement officials of any unlawful substances found (discarded needles or syringes). Mark location, but do not pick-up.
Report anything suspicious-appearing to your crew leader or law enforcement.
