April 24, 2006, FARMINGVILLE, NY –Brookhaven Supervisor Brian X. Foley invites all Brookhaven Town residents, schools, clubs, businesses, and shopping centers to help clean up parks, roadsides, shopping areas and other properties as part of a stepped up campaign to make Brookhaven a litter-free zone.
The town has launched the annual Make It Sparkle…Make It Shine war on litter, graffiti, and winter grunge and it’s a fight Brookhaven can win if residents are willing to man the battle lines, said Supervisor Foley.
“Litter in empty lots and along roadsides is one of the most pervasive and unsightly blights on Brookhaven’s landscape,” according to Supervisor Foley. “It affects how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. In addition to creating an eyesore, litter harms wildlife and their habitats, and is a potential hazard to motorists, joggers, and anyone who travels our roadways.
The majority of litter along roadways comes from motorists and passengers who toss cigarette butts, beverage containers and food wrappers out the window and from those who drive pick-up trucks who don’t cover or secure their loads properly, or don’t clean out the back of their pickup trucks before driving on roadways.
“Once an area becomes littered, people are more likely to contribute to the problem,” said Supervisor Foley. “Spring is a good time to take stock of our surroundings, tidy up, remove graffiti, add fresh paint, and create a fresh environment that makes us feel proud and discourages litterers from leaving their trash for others to clean up.”
Individuals and groups are asked to choose a location they feel needs attention and register their clean-up crew for “Make It Sparkle…Make It Shine” by calling the Brookhaven Town Waste Management Department at 451-6222. The Department of Waste Management will provide litter collection bags and will collect the filled bags from the roadside by appointment with each group.
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Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6955 • Fax (631) 451-6677
www.Brookhaven.org