Practicing Leave No Trace in Coastal Communities

Know Before Your Go
Any time you repack foods or liquids into reusable containers, you are reducing litter along the coastline.
Not all areas along the coast have trash cans. Bring along an easy-to-carry bag and safely pack out all your trash, until you find an available trash, recycling or compost can.
Trash, recycling and compost cans across all three counties look different! The colors of trash, recycling and compost cans may be different across all three counties. Look for labels and read signage.
Trash Your Trash
Trash hurts wildlife, adds plastic into the ecosystem and contaminates the coastal environment. Pack out everything you bring with you and consider picking up other litter to leave the place better than you found it.
Litter from overflowing trash, recycling or compost cans can be dangerous for wildlife and may be blown away by the wind. If a trash can is full, don’t add to the problem. Take your trash with you until you are able to dispose of it properly – which means taking it home with you.
Discarded fishing line and hooks cause unnecessary harm to birds and other aquatic animals. An accidentally swallowed fishing hook can lead to suffering and death.


What To Do With Poop
Human waste contaminates the outdoors. Going to the bathroom on the beach or by the side of the road or trail can result in unsanitary conditions and possible area closures.
Carry the diaper to the nearest available trash can. Not only does human waste pollute the environment, it may take up to 450 years for disposable diapers to decompose.
Pick up pet waste and dispose of it in a trash can. Compared to waste from wildlife or grazing animals, pet waste contains harmful bacteria that pollutes the natural environment and may cause illness.
Be Considerate of Coastal Communities
If cans in parks are overflowing, take your trash all the way home with you. Waste services in coastal communities are not equipped to support trash, recycling and compost deposited by visitors who are passing through town.
Some coastal towns and rural areas may not have readily available public restrooms.
