Perception = Reality

This site has an image problem.  if un-managed, litter is probably the first thing that a customer or a neighbour sees at a landfill.   Litter leaves a negative image in one's mind, and if not addressed properly, it can lead to distrust in all aspects of a landfill operation and management.  

A well maintained site with an effective litter management program leaves a positive image.  Customers using the site tend to be more cooperative, simply because if you show that you care, they will care too.   Neighbours to the site will have more trust in the site owners and operators, and there are cases when neighbours to a well run landfill have spoken out in support.   Hard to believe, but it happens. 

 Issues with Landfill Litter:

• environmental impacts
• impact on private property
• leads to distrust
• leads to loss of credibility
• Regulatory non-compliance

What are the environmental impacts?

• blight on the land
• odours
• surface water impacts
• interferes with farm equipment
• can be harmful to farm animals and wildlife
• can impact property value

Owners and operators of landfills with litter problems face several liability issues:

• financial cost of clean up & fines
• legal issues with regulatory action and neighbour legal suits
• loss of political favour
• loss of community trust
• effect on business relationships

Perception = Reality:     If your neighbours perceive that you have a litter issue at your landfill,  then the reality is that you have a litter problem that needs to be addressed.