28-04-2025
PennDOT, PSP team up to crack down on littering
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and state police are teaming up to crack down on littering with stiff fines in place for anyone caught trashing Pennsylvania's roads.
Litter on the roadways isn't just an eyesore; it's dangerous, expensive, and could cost you big if you get caught. PennDOT says litter enforcement is critical for protecting the environment, improving safety, and reducing cleanup costs.
In 2024 alone, volunteers across District 4 collected over 30,000 bags of trash through the Adopt-A-Highway program.
'Litter in the commonwealth has been and continues to be a major problem. We ask the traveling public to keep their trash until you arrive at your destination and to properly dispose of it,' PennDOT District 4 Acting Maintenance Services Engineer Kaitlyn Drumheller stated.
If polite requests aren't enough, the penalties are now serious, especially in designated litter enforcement corridors.
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'The penalties for littering and illegally dumping have significantly increased,' Pennsylvania State Police Community Services Officer Trooper Bob Urban said.
Trooper Urban says individuals could face fines up to $1,800 and could be required to complete up to 30 hours of litter cleanup.
For businesses caught illegally dumping, the fines are even steeper.
'For commercial entities, the stakes are even higher; companies found guilty of illegal dumping in these corridors face triple fines, potentially reaching up to $15,000,' Trooper Urban added.
Both PennDOT and state police hope tougher enforcement will make people think twice and inspire more to help keep Pennsylvania beautiful.
'We hope these stronger penalties will serve as a serious deterrent, sending a clear message that littering and dumping will not be tolerated,' Trooper Urban explained.
The Adopt-a-Highway program will continue this year, with PennDOT providing everything needed for cleanup.
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