For Immediate Release
Press Release
Contact: Ryan Murphy
Town Code Compliance & Emergency Management Administrator
631.702.1700
Town of Southampton, NY October 14, 2021 —The Town of Southampton Department of Public Safety’s Town Litter Control (TLC) program responds to complaints regarding litter, debris and dumping throughout the Town and in the incorporated village within the Town. “TLC was a concept that was born out of the pandemic due to the prevalence of COVID-related PPE waste like masks, gloves and other items,” said Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. “The concept worked so well that we decided to re-establish the unit and keep it on all year.”
Since starting with the Town on June 28, 2021, TLC staff member David Lipman has successfully removed more than 7,000 pounds of litter and debris and about 125 pounds of plastic and metal recyclable bottles and cans from roadsides, parks, beaches, parking lots and other areas throughout the Town. Lipman has also partnered with the Southampton Town Parks Department to remove some larger items like couches and mattresses from the sides of the road when found.
Southampton Town Code Compliance and Emergency Management Administrator Ryan Murphy indicated that, “Since we started the program back up this year, TLC has routinely been out on the road six days a week, provided additional cleanup support in areas of the community during some special events, and has assisted in the cleanup and maintenance of some County and State roadways within the Town.”
“I have reached out to have TLC attend to the areas near East Landing and West Landing Beaches during the summer and within no time at all the spots in question were cleaned up,” said Councilman Rick Martel. Councilwoman Julie Lofstad echoed the same sentiments about the quick response to frequent litter hotspots that she had contacted TLC about over the last few months. Councilwoman Lofstad went on to say that, “it is both impressive and disturbing how much litter and debris TLC has been able to remove from the sides of the roads and other public areas; I’m glad he’s so successful at cleaning up the litter, but I hope we start seeing less of it.”
The Town Litter Crew responds to complaints about litter and debris that are received through the Town’s online (SOS) complaint reporting system, as well as via reports received by the Department of Public Safety.
