Public Outreach and Education

Any program for the prevention, enforcement, and clean-up of illegal dumping must be supported by a strong local public outreach program. There are a number of agencies and organizations that provide public outreach and education to help eliminate, control, or clean-up illegal dumping or litter. Information on public outreach from these agencies can be found at the following web links:

In addition, MDEQ’s Solid Waste Assistance Grants can in part be used to support and provide public information and outreach. These grants can be used to provide information on local solid waste services and events and to help inform citizens on the penalties for illegal dumping and for litter. These grants can be used to support outreach efforts through printed materials, radio and television, billboards, social media efforts and a variety of other public information outlets.

Local governments should also consider using signage that communicates the message that random dumping or littering is illegal and punishable by law. Signage should be employed at sites commonly used for illegal dumping and litter. The use of “No Dumping” signs can be effective in deterring dumping and creating awareness of local ordinances also.

Trash Free Waters is another program that EPA has initiated to reduce the amount of trash and litter that enters streams and rivers, lakes and bays, beaches and coastlines, and ultimately the world’s oceans. This Agency work includes outreach and education, research, and new program partnerships. They have established web resources that provide guidance on how to keep trash out of our waters.