Don't Trash California   
 Litter can be expensive for all of us!     
The California Department of Transportation, Division of Maintenance, spends a total of $41,000,000 on litter removal!

California is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic highways in the country. Highway 101 takes you on an amazing journey along the Coast of California to picturesque beach communities like Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey.  Unfortunately, as pristine as these roads and views are, it’s not uncommon to see them cluttered with everything from fast food wrappers and soda cans to bottles and cigarette butts.

The litter is not only an eye sore, but also a major contributor to storm water pollution.   Many people don’t realize that litter on the freeways and highways can end up in the storm drain system which in many cases then flows untreated into canals and streams, and ultimately to lakes, rivers and the ocean.  The litter can end up polluting the water we swim in and can also harm marine life.

Caltrans spends more than $40 million each year on litter removal from our freeways and highways.  And, litter can also cost you – most people don’t realize that if you’re caught littering in the state of California, you could receive a fine of up to $1,000.  Fortunately, there are a few simple ways that you can help prevent storm water pollution, and avoid a costly fine:

§         Don’t litter.  Dispose of trash properly – in a trashcan. 

§         Always use a litterbag in your car and properly dispose of the bag once it is full.

§         If you smoke, use the ashtray in your car instead of tossing your butts out the window.

§         Regularly clean out truck beds of any debris that could fly out.

§         If you are hauling a load in your truck, be sure to properly tie down and cover all loads.