The Heroic Tale of the 2025 Divert NS Litter Clean-up

Divert NS Sponsor a Student Intern Series

Each year, Divert NS provides a bursary and work placement opportunity to a NSCC student in the Natural Resources Environmental Technology or Environmental Engineering Technology programs. This year’s recipient is Sarah Ingraham, who is completing her second year in the Environmental Engineering Technology program. As part of his internship, Sarah will be a contributing WNN reporter, reporting on areas of waste management that are important to her.

Every year Divert NS organizes a staff litter clean-up. This year on June 4th, staff were gathered at the Divert NS warehouse in Kemptown to set out on a mission to clean up the roadside and exit ramps nearby. Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and safety vests, they split into groups and trudged valiantly through uneven terrain and scorching temperatures, unsure of what they might find lurking within the grass. Not surprisingly they found large amounts of drink cups, takeout containers, wrappers, and empty cans. The majority of these originating from the enclaves of Tim Hortons, McDonalds, and Coldstream.

 
“Oh no!” shouted a team member. Upon retrieving a plastic lid out of the grass, it shattered into a hundred pieces. In this moment the team witnessed the process of plastic becoming microplastic. Plastic does not biodegrade; instead, it breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. These pieces can be accidentally ingested by fish and wildlife or end up in our drinking water supply. Although there is still more to learn about the impacts of microplastics, they have been linked to various human health issues.

The shattering plastic was not the only unsettling event experienced by the team. Some of the uncovered litter items evoked a sense of dread and disgust. Around 30 diapers and 25 bottles of stale urine were retrieved carrying an aroma that could deter even the most congested individual. There were also many items that left the group baffled and bewildered. Half a printer, a well-aged jar of pickles, a vape, and a bucket of paint to name a few. 

Numerous cigarette butts were apprehended. This small but highly toxic piece of litter can cause severe health impacts to terrestrial and aquatic life. These toxins can even make their way up the food system to us where they cause further health implications. Over 25 windshield wiper jugs were also retrieved, some still full of the toxic liquid. The staff shook their heads in dismay, knowing how detrimental this liquid could be if released into the environment. However, they carried on with heads held high knowing they helped prevent a catastrophic event from occurring. 

After collecting over 200 pounds of litter, the staff congregated at the warehouse for a well-deserved meal, games, and laughter. They told tales of what they encountered and contemplated the stories behind their retrieved items. They emphasized the virtues of their work and commended each other for a job well done. They eventually carried on with their day with hope that someday litter would be a memory of the past.

Litter continues to be a serious issue in Nova Scotia, and the battle continues to empower the public to put waste in its place. By doing so we can better manage the negative impacts of our waste and keep it from harming the ecosystems we so desperately rely on. 

Want to join the movement? Why not start a litter clean-up in your community? It’s an easy, fun, and a great way to bring people together for a common good. You also never know what you might find! Register here and receive free supplies for your clean-up.