Thinking about throwing trash out of your car window? Most drivers might think no one will catch them do it, so what's the harm?
Well, those at organization "Memphis City Beautiful" have a long-standing initiative to cut back on what they say is a "safety hazard" that also "negatively impacts the image of our city."
While working to get litter picked up around the city of Memphis is a lot of the work the organization manages, the volunteers at Memphis City Beautiful also offer a hotline that can be called whenever any Memphian sees someone throw trash into the street from a car.
"All of our waste has a proper place," executive director of Memphis City Beautiful Eldra White said. "Whether it's in the recycle bin or the trash bin or compost pile, there's a place for it."
To report littering motorists, citizens can use this link to send complaints to Memphis City Beautiful. Those wishing to report littering can also call their "Report Littering Motorists" hotline at (901) 522 5326.
Callers are asked to leave the license plate number, the type of vehicle, the time and date of occurrence, the location and the type of litter. This can include anything from cigarettes, cans, fast food, plastic bottles and more.
So what happens next? Though the organization cannot fine those accused of littering themselves, the citizens reported through the hotline are said to receive a "car litter bag" and a letter from Memphis City Beautiful advising them to not repeat such actions.
"We state the law that littering is a criminal violation and what the fines may be as well as possible public service hours for pickup," White said. "Then we just advise them don't risk the consequences, and enclosed in it, is our litter bag to keep in your vehicle as well as the brochure about the importance for keeping the city clean."
White makes it clear that the organization is in no way an enforcement agency and relies on the "honor system" when citizens sending them information about potential litterers.
"It's a helpful awareness tool for us to nab those folks that are littering, and hopefully they'll think twice about doing it the next time," she said. "We're more about public awareness and education — engaging citizens in efforts to improve their communities in the city overall."
Still, White said the letter is not just signed by her — it carries the weight of interim police chief CJ Davis' signature as well.
"That gives the letter a little bit of teeth," she said. "What used to be sent out was more of a 'Dear citizen,' letter, but currently, it reads at the top, 'notice of possible violation.' Then it goes on to say, 'a concerned citizen observed you or someone in your vehicle improperly disposing of litter and has reported the offense to our hotline."
The hotline has been around for around 30 years, according to White, and the organization receives around 200 calls annually.
"We think it's a handy way to get folks to think about throwing things from their car, especially if they know people are watching them," White said. "Some people think, 'Why not toss my apple core or banana peel out?' Well, you know, if everybody did that, that adds up. All of it is litter."
Are you seeking solutions to a problem facing you and your community? We want to hear from you. Text “SOLUTIONS” and include your concern to (901) 321-7520. You can also fill out this contact form.
