Litter is a prolific concern in the Sandhills of North Carolina, with many environmental, economic and social implications.
Why is litter a problem?
Litter degrades our environment. Litter can enter our soil and waterways, contaminating our land and water.
Litter threatens public health. Land, air and water that is contaminated by improperly discarded wastes can cause public health concerns such as water borne illnesses. Dangerous and hazardous litter can also pose safety threats to a place’s residents and visitors.
Litter is unsightly. It significantly impacts community pride by creating a sense of neglect and discouraging residents from investing in their surroundings. Litter causes a decrease in property values, tourism appeal and quality of life. According to the National Association of Home Builders’ pricing model, the presence of litter decreases property values by about 7 percent.
Litter is expensive. Litter abatement costs totaled $1.6 million for 1,024,640 pounds in litter in Division 6 counties (Bladen, Columbus, Cumberland, Harnett and Robeson Counties) in 2024. Litter abatement costs totaled $1.2 million for 658,170 pounds in litter in Division 8 counties (Chatham, Hoke, Lee, Montgomery, Moore, Randolph, Richmond and Scotland Counties) in 2024. Statewide, litter abatement costs were $25.8 million for 12.6 million pounds in litter in 2024. Taxpayer dollars fund these litter abatement efforts. These figures are based solely on NC Department of Transportation litter expenses and do not include private sector litter abatement efforts.
LITTER SWEEPS
Be a part of the litter solution and join a community litter sweep! They happen monthly throughout our region. We provide bags, buckets, gloves, safety vests and grabbers. Sustainable Sandhills volunteers swept over 20,000 pounds of litter from our roadways in 2024!
March 2026
Second Saturday Litter Sweep
Saturday March 14 from 9 am to 11 am
Meet at Tolley’s, 5940 Gregory Street in Fayetteville
Cross Creek Sweep
Saturday March 21 from 9 am to 11 am
Meet at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, 536 N. Eastern Boulevard in Fayetteville
Wildlands Sweep
Saturday March 28 from 10 am to noon
Boundary Line Lake and McArthur Road
between Johnson Farm and Andrews Roads in Fayetteville
April 2026
Second Saturday Litter Sweep
Location TBD
More dates to come! Check back often!
Volunteer hours with Sustainable Sandhills can be counted toward community service requirements. We would love to have your business, church, sorority fraternity, or other organization come out to volunteer! To inquire about community service hours or schedule your group to volunteer, EMAIL TRINITY VETERE HERE.
You can also organize your own litter sweep, anytime and anywhere!
Contact us about borrowing tools!