Zip tie litter

There has to be a better procedure for cleaning up zip ties after special events like food festivals, concerts, running races and bike events, like the Air Force Association Cycling Classic this past weekend. I don’t want to single them out because I’ve seen the zip tie litter after other events, in DC, in Arlington and elsewhere. But I notice the CC more because I ride in the Challenge Ride and I watch some of the races. Then I see the litter remaining on the following day. One or two stray ties wouldn’t bother me that much. But it appears that every single zip tie was discarded and left on the street or bike lane. Dozens or perhaps hundreds of them when I rode along Crystal Drive yesterday, more than 24 hrs. after the event had ended.

There are many reasons to object to the practice. I don’t like seeing all of that plastic tossed aside, only to be swept into nearby storm sewers after the next rain. Plastic waste is an environmental issue. Clogs in storm sewers are another.

The road looks like a trash dump when there is that much litter at one time. The sharp edges of that many sliced plastic ties could also pose a minor risk of cutting a skinny bike tire, though that isn’t my primary concern.

Another problem is that this sort of thing can motivate critics of these events to move against the organizers and agencies that are responsible for permits. Most of us know that some bike (and triathlon) events have been canceled in the region because of permitting problems: Bike DC, Washington DC Triathlon. While post-event litter hasn’t been the main cause for opposition, it certainly doesn’t help.

I saw something similar last year after the CC. I emailed the organizers and received a vague response. (It was a year ago so I don’t recall the exact words. But I think the message said that the clean-up crew had been instructed to clean up all event-related materials. I don’t think that was emphasized to the workers/volunteers at all, and since it happened again this year, I continue to think that this is not seen as part of the clean-up process.) It really isn’t a major operation to clean up the discarded zip ties. A few people with brooms and dustpans could take care of the litter in a reasonable amount of time. Or they could have small bags attached to their belts as they dismantle the signs and banners, then place the zip ties in the bags as they proceed along the route.

I think the post-event litter tarnishes the spirit of the great event. I enjoy participating in and watching the event and I’m annoyed by the litter. How upset is someone going to be when they don’t even want the event to take place at all?

I’d like to see organizers of this and similar events pay more attention to the littering. I’d also like to see better management among the contracted groups that operate these events, whether it involves cycling, running, food, music or whatever. It’s awesome to have these athletic and cultural events in the area. It would be even more awesome if the organizers and contractors took more care to clean up all materials associated with the events. Does anyone here attend meetings with race and event management companies? If so, I think it would be good to bring up the issue. After all, if post-event litter contributes to community opposition to particular events, that means fewer potential jobs for these companies. And fewer of these community athletic and cultural events for everyone.