When most people think of trash, they picture what they throw away at home, school, or work. But rubbish does not always stay where it is placed. Items get dropped unknowingly, left behind by accident, or blown from an overflowing trash can. No matter the source, every little piece adds up and affects our storm water and local environment.
Wind can carry lightweight rubbish far from where it started. Once caught by a gust, wrappers, plastic bags, bottles, and other items can travel through streets and neighborhoods, enter storm drains and waterways, and eventually reach the ocean.
Keeping rubbish contained might seem simple, but loose items easily escape. Follow these tips to help prevent windblown trash:
- Make sure trash cans have secure lids. A fitted lid keeps loose items from blowing out after disposal.
- Tie trash bags before disposal. Keeping everything together makes loose rubbish less likely to escape.
- Avoid overfilling trash bags and cans. Overfilled bags can tear, while items piled above the rim can spill or blow away.
- Secure trash during outdoor events. Food wrappers, paper products, and decorations can take flight during strong winds. Use covered trash cans, tie down bags, and secure tents, table coverings, and other equipment with rope, stakes, or weights.
- Secure your load. When transporting rubbish or other materials, cover the load with a tarp and secure loose items with ratchet straps. Make sure everything stays in the truck bed and off the roadway. For more tips on securing your load, check out our blog.
- Pack it in and pack it out. Take responsibility for anything you bring outdoors. Bring it home with you, or place it in an appropriate trash or recycling receptacle. Read our blog post to learn more about dealing with outdoor trash.
Preventing windblown trash starts before a gust picks it up. By securing our rubbish at home, on the road, and wherever we gather outdoors, we help keep streets, storm drains, waterways, and coastlines clean. Each of us has a role in mālama ʻāina and protecting the beauty of our islands.
