A lot of times people will dump motor oils, fertilizers, cigarette butts, all kinds of debris, into the storm drains system and a lot of people are under the impression that they empty into the sewage system and indeed they empty into streams and lakes. When citizen volunteers get together to work on anti-litter programs, such as Beach Sweep or Keep America Beautiful, they must organize themselves and the strategies necessary to successfully complete their goals. Not only do they need to clean up litter. They need to ensure that the source of litter is discovered and stopped.
Education is the key to changing behavior and attitudes about litter.
Cleanup projects require a coordinated planning, resource acquisition, and implementation effort. Necessary resources include labor, equipment, and funding. Labor resources can be sought from community and youth groups, local government organizations, corporations, and state or county corrections programs. Equipment such as containers, rakes, bags, gloves, shovels, heavy equipment, and trucks can be provided by public works or highway agencies and private companies. Funding for waste disposal may be provided by government agencies or through corporate donations.