In December 2019, Osprey Initiative installed a Litter Gitter device at the headwaters of Valley Creek in downtown Birmingham as a pilot project. The adjustable device intercepts floating litter from stormwater runoff.
We are excited to report the data from the three-month pilot period:
- December 5-31, 2019: A total of 37.98 pounds / 49.5 cubic feet of litter was removed, of which 17.94 pounds / 20.5 cubic feet was recycled.
- January 2020: 41.82 pounds / 48 cubic feet of litter was removed, of which 16.14 pounds / 19.5 cubic feet was recycled.
- February 2020: 67.97 pounds / 79.5 cubic feet litter was removed, of which 26.11 pounds / 34 cubic feet was recycled.
During the pilot project phase, Freshwater Land Trust presented the Litter Gitter concept to city councils and representatives from Bessemer, Birmingham, Homewood, Mountain Brook, Hoover, Irondale, Vestavia Hills, and Trussville and to a variety of organizations and individuals.
We anticipate several cities installing new devices in their communities later in the year.
Visit freshwaterlandtrust.org/litter-gitters/ to learn more and to add your name to the growing list of “Litter Gitter Getters” in our community.