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Volunteers Can Help With Litter Survey

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 5, 2008

TAMPA - Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful is in need of volunteers for its eighth annual litter cleanup campaign this month.

In groups of five, volunteers are asked to survey sections of the county and rate them on a scale of 1 to 4, with 1 being no litter and 4 being the equivalent of illegal dumping. This litter index helps the staff determine which areas need more attention, education and focus.

"The goal is to determine if litter is increasing or decreasing in the county," executive director Christine Commerce said.

After an orientation and brief training, the groups embark on one of four routes. A driver keeps each group moving through about a dozen stops and takes photos while the others survey the area for bottles, furniture, plastic bags and other litter. The trip takes three to four hours.

Commerce said the county average, based on the 4-point scale, in 2001 was 1.8 and in 2007 was 1.56, showing a slight decrease and an overall cleaner bill of litter health.

"We have coordinated community cleanups in areas that come back with a 3 or 4," Commerce said.

Groups interested in participating should call Commerce at (813) 960-5121. Because of the locations near some major roadways, children must be 12 or older and accompanied by an adult.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 835-2114 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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