I, Lindsay Lewis, a resident of Norwalk am starting this petition on behalf of other residents of Norwalk to address the ongoing littering of worn gloves, masks, wipes, and other used materials in places other than designated litter receptacles. I am requesting for an official order be brought forth throughout the city of Norwalk to prevent individuals from disposing of their litter on the ground. I believe most have noticed this, including yourself, and feel most unsettled at the blatant disregard for our city and its residents and visitors.

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Connecticut has had an anti-litter law since around 1897. Around that time, fines were set at $20 if caught throwing your trash out on highways or streets. Littering has since been made an infraction and while an infraction is not a crime, it is against the law to litter. (Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 2020)

The Connecticut Anti-Litter Law CGS Sec. 22a-250: "No person shall throw, scatter, spill or place or cause to be blown, scattered, spilled, thrown or placed, or otherwise disposed of any litter upon any public property in this state or upon any private property in this state not owned by him, or in any waters of this state..." 

CGS Sec. 22a-248 defines "Litter" as "...any discarded, used or unconsumed substance or waste material, whether made of aluminum, glass, plastic, rubber, paper, or other natural or synthetic material, or any combination thereof, including, but not limited to, any bottle, jar or can, or any top, cap or detachable tab of any bottle, jar or can, any unlighted cigarette, cigar, match or any flaming or glowing material or any garbage, trash, refuse, debris, rubbish, grass clippings or other lawn or garden waste, newspaper, magazines, glass, metal, plastic or paper containers or other packaging or construction material which has not been deposited in a litter receptacle."

With this said, our city of Norwalk has noticed a new trend amidst the COVID-19 pandemic; though far from trendy. Individuals are irresponsibly discarding their worn gloves, face masks, wipes, and other used items on the ground. We refer to these individuals as “Littergloves” also known as litterbugs. While most public places have litter receptacles located throughout for the purpose of using them, it appears to be easier for some to simply chuck the worn and possibly infectious items on the grounds of these highly footed areas.

Our question is, why? Why is this happening and what is being done to mitigate the likelihood of such offensive behavior? We are aware this is happening at a nation-wide level, yet our residency lies in Norwalk. We need to be especially vigilant of our own actions now more than ever. We need to do whatever we can to contain this virus and slow the spread, which includes placing our own litter into the garbage. We need to do better; as a city, as a community, as people.

We are urging our city officials to take immediate action on this probable offense.

Please carefully consider the following actions:

•An official order for the city of Norwalk to abide by. This alone can deter littergloves from irresponsible discarding of their litter.

•Posting visible signage in public areas of Norwalk with said orders. Increases awareness.

•Urging businesses in Norwalk to post similar signage. Increases awareness. 

•Imposing strict fines on individuals (littergloves) caught in the act of littering any discarded materials as defined above as “litter” anywhere other than litter receptacles. Similar to cell phone use while driving fines, the first offense will start at $150, the second offense will increase to $300, and so on. 

•Urging those who witness someone littering to report the incident. Capturing photo, video, and details of location and persons can help. In essence, if you see something, say something. This can also help law enforcement figure out which areas need to be patrolled more than others. 

•Litter receptacles placed at each cart return area of grocery store parking lots. This seems to be one of our biggest problem areas. 

•Bag stands placed at each litter receptacle. Similar to that of pet waste bag stands for individuals to bag and tie their used items before placing in receptacles. This will also provide an extra layer of protection for those essential workers handling our garbages. 

It is our hope the above actions would prevent such individuals from littering and keep our residents and visitors of Norwalk safe and healthy throughout this troubling time. Your responsiveness to the city’s concerns thus far make us certain that you will give weight to these requests.

Thank you for your time and urgent attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Lindsay Lewis

References

“Litter.” CT.gov, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle/Municipal-Recycling-Resource-Center/Litter.