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Litter an Increasing Problem on Beach

41 views · Published 3 August 2014 · 1:56 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: NBC 15 · 2014 · News & Politics

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GULF SHORES, Ala. (WPMI) Independence Day weekend is considered one of the busiest of the year for the Gulf Shores beaches, but it is also one of the messiest. 
 
"We have crews that work seven days a week, both on the beach and on the roads, collecting litter," said Mark Ackerman, Public Works Director for the City of Gulf Shores. 
 
The trash is both small and large. Typically, crews will find cans and water bottles that never made their way to the trashcans. Lately, they have also been dealing with abandoned beach equipment such as chairs.
 
"We really need everybody's help. It's really not just the city doing their part, we have limited resources and can only do so much," said Grant Brown, Director of Recreational and Cultural Affairs. 
 
Even though dozens of trash cans have been placed along the beach, the issue continues. One resource the city has to combat the issue is police issued citations, but writing those can be tricky. 
 
"We kind of have to catch them in the act to enforce anything, it's really hard to determine who actually litters," explained Ackerman. 
 
City officials urge visitors, residents and business owners to pick up after themselves. Litter is not only an eye sore, but can also hurt local marine life. 
 
It is currently turtle nesting season and litter can severely harm and even kill turtles who are coming to the beach to lay their eggs.

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