Love Manchester, Live Green

Learn about the Town’s latest sustainability initiatives and stay up-to-date on sustainability events happening both locally and virtually!

What is sustainability? “One of the simplest and most often cited definitions of sustainability refers to practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs... Many definitions also recognize three generally accepted pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social—also known informally as profits, planet, and people." -Town of Manchester Sustainability Task Force

You will notice many litter-related aspects to this webpage. To address litter is to support environmental conservation. The Town of Manchester recognizes that litter has become a growing issue in our public spaces and we are working on a multi-pronged approach to tackling this complex issue.

Learn about the Town’s latest sustainability initiatives and stay up-to-date on sustainability events happening both locally and virtually!

What is litter?

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Litter is defined as improperly managed waste, be it intentionally or unintentionally. The top 10 pieces of litter found along the Long Island Sound in 2022 were…
Where does litter go?

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Most types of litter take years, and even centuries, to break down. Litter can have serious consequences for our environment and health. Strong winds and heavy rains can also transport the litter to nearby bodies of water, where they become harmful to aquatic life. Did you know that all rivers and streams in Connecticut lead to the Long Island Sound?

Image Credit: Long Island Sound Study
What's the harm in litter?

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Not only is litter an eye-sore, but it can be harmful, too.
- Materials like glass and metal can be sharp and result in injury when stepped on.
- Metals break down over time, leaching into our soils, groundwater, and streams.
- Plastic items can fragment into smaller pieces of plastic, known as microplastics, which can contaminate our drinking water and be mistaken by wildlife for food.
- Various types of litter may also cause tangling, choking, and/or trapping hazards to wildlife.
Adopt-A-Spot Program

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We will be rolling out a new program soon where businesses, organizations, groups, and individuals will have the opportunity to adopt a location in Manchester to keep litter-free. If you are one of the unsung heroes who is already regularly cleaning up a part of town, we want to know about it! Please contact Rachel Schnabel, Manchester's Recycling & Community Service Coordinator, to tell her about your experiences with keeping our town clean.