MetroCall’s Report-a-Litterer program offers one opportunity in which it can feel truly satisfying to be a snitch, whether you are an avid tree-hugger type or simply disgusted by trash in public places. Since the program’s inception almost a year ago, MetroCall has received more than 2,300 litter-related calls and sent out some 2,200 warning letters to witnessed transgressors in the metro area. Here’s how it works:
• Driving along, you notice someone in the car in front of you launching fast-food wrappers, plastic bottles or the ubiquitous cigarette butt onto sidewalks, streets or green spaces your tax dollars pay to maintain.
• Remain calm, grab your cell phone and call MetroCall at 574-5000 (or e-mail metrocall@lousvilleky.gov). Provide a license plate number, car make and model, and any descriptive information about the type of litter, locale, date and time of its tossing.
• The litterbug will receive a letter about the incident with a polite reminder of the consequences of littering (up to $500 fine/one year in jail). He or she will also be provided with an automobile trash bag, ideally squelching future use of city streets as a private garbage can.
