P1-ovo’s current anti-litter ordinance, adopted 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 orches – partly, perhaps, Because many people may not understand their responsibility under the law. The problem is especially noticeable when the owneiils or tenants are on a trip or of erwise away from the premises forla few days. Before eaving, peop e can have newspaper delivery stopped. Same with the milk, But the place might be slightly littered whlen they return if they don’t ta e steps to have a neighborl pick up the unscheduled materia s. Under Section 17.70,150 dealing with this particulsrfprloblem, the owner oroccupan o a ome mus post notice or otherwise request that advertising and other materials not be left at the door. This can be done with such posted signs las “no trespassing,” “no pedd ers or agents,” “no sollcitors,” or “Fost no bills.” This, essential y, is the wording of the ordinance: No person shall throw, deposit or distribute any commerical or noncommercial handbills in or upon private premises which are inhabited, except by handing or transmitting any materia s directly to the owner or occupant. But the remainder of the section provides that iizdcsiie she premises are not post , e istributors, unless requested by someone on the premises not to do so, may place or deposit the handbill or other sluch msterials on abc propertyi t is is one in suc 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 hgllps. prevent; blgwingh or o erwise sprea mg. ome ang 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 kee their premises free of handbills and other materials if these are unwantedi 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.