What is the City doing to prevent litter?

Increase the ‘eyes on the street'
A certain number of staff from Public Works are responsible for litter pickup, but there are many other staff members out on the roads and in the parks every day. They are all encouraged to report problem areas to Operations and By-law Services for appropriate action. Staff is asked to take pride in the cleanliness of their City, and take responsibility for reporting problems.
 
Dedicated litter patrols
Boulevard and park litter pickups are done daily throughout the spring, summer and fall. During the summer, trash bins in parks are emptied regularly. Sports fields receive attention on a weekly basis. Litter and garbage bins receive special attention during events such as fairs, festivals, sports tournaments and community events, providing staff are aware of the events. When staff is available, periodic additional pickups are done throughout the year.
 
Clearly, it would take a significant amount of additional money to add to our staff so that every piece of litter is picked up quickly; the City could spend many thousands more every year on this effort. It is much less costly if everyone takes responsibility and stops litter from happening in the first place!
 
Trash bin placement and emptying
We monitor the use of trash cans, and during the peak spring, summer and fall months, empty them regularly. We remove cans that aren't needed. Since research shows an increase in the number of cans is not always effective, we choose strategic areas and attempt to place them where they will do the most good.
 
Contact with property owners
Owners of private property (including malls, homes, businesses and vacant lots) identified as having a litter or illegal dumping issue/problem are approached by By-law staff and given the opportunity to clean up. If they do not, the City of Hamilton may do the clean-up and charge the owner with the costs.
 
Last resort - laying charges
When other efforts fail, owners of private property and even agencies such as school boards can be charged under the Property Standards By-law (03-117), the Dumping By-law and/or the Litter, Yard Waste and Property Maintenance By-law (03-118) .

Fines for littering and dumping
Currently, owners of littered property are approached and asked to clean up the area. If they refuse to do so, they may be fined under the current Litter, Yard Waste and Property Maintenance By-law. Fines are up to $500 for littering and up to $5000 for illegal dumping activities.