Is Litter a Problem in Edmonton?

Most Canadian cities are concerned with the increasing amount of litter on roadways, and in parks and public places. Edmonton is no different. In fact, citizens are very concerned about litter, with the City of Edmonton receiving many complaints each year on litter-related issues.

Not only is litter unsightly and reduces the aesthetic appeal of a city, it poses environmental, health and safety concerns, too. Items like broken glass and other sharp objects can injure children and pets, while litter tossed from a vehicle can be dangerous to other motorists and pedestrians.

Rotting apple cores and fruit peelings attract insects and do not decompose as quickly as people might think. Food scraps, packaging and plastic bags can harm or poison birds and other wildlife while pet droppings can spread disease, putting both people and animals at risk.

So who litters?

Studies have shown that people of all ages litter with many saying they have littered at least once in a 12-month period. Sometimes it's accidental, but in most cases it's intentional and preventable.

Reasons for littering vary: 

  • Not enough garbage cans in public places.
  • More fast food packaging and busier lifestyles.
  • Weather conditions.
  • Businesses not emptying their bins enough.
  • Lack of awareness of environmental, health, and safety hazards.
  • Not realizing that cigarettes butts, gum and food scraps are in fact litter.

Others believe that litter attracts litter and if streets, neighbourhoods and public places were clean, they would think twice about littering.

What is the City of Edmonton doing to combat litter?

City Council feels strongly about reducing litter in Edmonton and has implemented a litter reduction and prevention program called Capital City Clean Up.

The program has three main components:

  • Substantially more street cleaning and litter pick up in business districts, major roadways and entrances to our city.
  • Volunteer component for residents and businesses to help out.
  • Comprehensive public education plan aimed at litter prevention.

The City of Edmonton believes that litter reduction and prevention needs to be seen as not just a municipal responsibility, but a shared responsibility with the community-at-large.

How can Edmontonians get involved?

There are several, annual cleanup events under the Capital City Clean Up banner including the following:

All of these events are supported by the City of Edmonton.

Under the Adopt-a-Block program, residents and businesses volunteer to become block captains. Captains adopt a block around their home or business, or any area that needs sprucing up.

Block captains agree to keep their adopted area clean for 20 weeks, starting May 1 to September 17. Captains will be provided with a cleanup kit including gloves, bags, and a volunteer record book for tracking hours/bags collected. Captains are also responsible for recruiting their own volunteers if needed, with all participant recognized by City Council at the end of the program.

How do volunteers sign up?

There are two ways to sign up and get involved: Forms can also be requested by calling 780-944-5470.

What can we all do to reduce litter?

Here are three simple things to help keep Edmonton litter-free:
  • Carry your garbage with you until you find a receptacle.
  • If you spot litter, take the few seconds to pick it up.
  • Teach children not to litter by setting a good example.
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