AbstractsPsychology

The problem. Many procedures have been used by federal, state and local agencies to control the littering problem. However, few of these procedures have been adequately evaluated. The present study is an evaluation of one community's attempt to control its litter problem. Procedures. A litter clean-up drive was planned by a local neighborhood association in which residents were encouraged to clean up the litter on their blocks. Block leaders were identified who were responsible for organizing teams of residents from each of ten experimental blocks to clean up the litter on the blocks. Ten control blocks which were similar in size and traffic flow did not have block leaders. All residents who attended a regular meeting of the association were informed of the clean-up drive and it was promoted by the news media. Findings. Sixty percent of the litter which was on the ground in the experimental blocks was removed while only 8% of the litter in the control blocks was removed. Conclusions. The block leader procedure is an effective way to get neighborhood residents to pick up the litter on their blocks as part of a litter clean-up drive. Recommendations. The organization should use block leaders for all blocks in future clean-up drives. Further research should examine ways to make the procedure more than 60% effective. 23 leaves. Advisor: Margaret E. Lloyd.