To support the Don’t Mess with Texas Campaign, KMB distributes bumper stickers, re-usable trash bags, and window decals with the TxDOT message. In 2007, KMB attended 20 local health fairs at which 2,500 parents attended and received information. In addition, over 6,500 pieces of literature were distributed at local special events including, Trash Bash, Taste and Trade, Recycles Day, Christmas in the Park and at local speaking presentations to civic groups, such as the Mesquite Exchange Club.

In 2007 KMB was proud to receive the President’s Circle award from KAB and the Silver Star Affiliate award from KTB. KMB awarded $3,000 in college scholarships to 3 high school seniors for their work and participation on the SAB and $2,190 in grant funds to 6 local schools through the schoolyard habitat program. In November, KMB proudly recognized our long-standing partner, the COM SWD. KMB held a thank you breakfast for all solid waste employees. The Mayor, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Director of Public Works and Director of Community Services, along with KMB board members, attended the event. KMB also recognized Mr. Briggs Todd and First State Bank. These long-term donors were presented with an Appreciation Plaque featuring the four KTB ornaments.

Litter Prevention and Cleanup: KMB continues to lead our community’s efforts in litter prevention. Board members and volunteers annually participate in the Keep America Beautiful Litter Index. In 2007 Mesquite ranked at a score of 1.79. Based on the index results, key areas are targeted for Clean Team events.

The Mesquite community addresses litter prevention and cleanup through our Lucky the Ladybug school programs, pamphlet distribution, public education kiosk and our participation in bi-annual Trash Bash events. KMB addresses Pedestrian, residential and motor vehicle waste through education efforts in our schools, educational brochures, and through partnerships within the COM including with Code Enforcement and city council initiatives. Uncovered trucks, construction sites, commercial waste and loading docks are addressed through the SWD education efforts for commercial users.

In April and September, KMB held our bi-annual Trash Bash events, in conjunction with the GAC and DMWT Trash Off. Combined, these events targeted 24 key areas within the city; had a total of 439 volunteers and removed 4.6 tons of trash! In addition to Trash Brash events, KMB sponsored six Clean Team events at target areas in the city. In total during 2007 over 500 volunteers worked at 8 events to remove over 5 tons of trash from residential areas, city streets, sidewalks and parks during 2007!

Litter Law & Illegal Dumping Enforcement: The COM continued its efforts to educate, prevent and enforce litter laws and illegal dumping regulations. Through the efforts of the City’s Environmental Code Division 1,520 illegal signs were removed from public rights of ways and 17 illegal dumping sites were removed. KMB will continue to work with Environmental Code to educate our citizens on code violations.

In an effort to focus the city’s revitalization effort, the City Council passed several new ordinances that impact nuisance issues. One of these items included a new city ordinance lowering acceptable heights for yard grass from 12 to 8 inches and a reduced warning period. Environmental Code also handled 13,088 trash and junk cases, 1,413 inoperable vehicle, 516 junk vehicle cases and 1,885 parking in the yard violations in 2007.