Provo’s current anti-litter ordinance, adopter in August of 1978, is patterned after a model law of a national beautification organization.
But it has not solved the problem of unwanted and unsolicited handbills and other such materials from cluttering front porches – partly, perhaps, because many people may not understand their responsibility under the law.
The problem is especially noticeable when the owners or tenants are on a trip or otherwise away from the premises for a few days. Before leaving, people can have newspaper delivery stopped. Same with the milk. But the place might be slightly littered when they return if they don’t take steps to have a neighbor pick up the unscheduled materials.
Under Section 17.70.150 dealing with this particular problem, the owner or occupant of a home must post notice or otherwise request that advertising and other materials not be left at the door. This can be done with such posted signs as “no trespassing,” “no peddlers or agents,” “no solicitors,” or “post no bills.”
This, essentially, is the wording of the ordinance:
No person shall throw, deposit or distribute any commerical or noncommercial handbiils in or upon private premises which are inhabited, except by handing or transmitting any materials directly to the owner or occupant.
But the remainder of the section provides that in case the premises are not posted, the distributors, unless requested by someone on the premises not to do so may place or deposit the handbill or other such materials on the property if this is done in such a way as to prevent their blowing or drifting about the premises, sidewalks or streets.
Placing the handbills or other items in mailboxes is expressly prohibited by federal law.
Some of those who deposit items at the doorstep are thoughtful enough to enclose the materials in plastic – and this helps prevent blowing or otherwise spreading. Some hang the item on the doorknob. Still a more acceptable way might be to place the materials inside the storm door, if it is unlocked, out of public sight.
One of the hazards, obviously, is that a littered doorstep telegraphs the message that the place may be vacant or the owner or occupant is away.
Our purpose here is simply to advise residents of provisions of the ordinance, and caution them to take whatever steps they can take under the law to keep their premise free of handbills and other materials if these are unwanted.
And if you feel the law as presently constituted is either good and right or has serious flaws, certainly it’s your pregotative to express yourself to the proper officials.