Accidents, fires: Price of littering goes beyond fines

OLYMPIA - Litter and it may hurt in more ways than people might think. This summer, the state Department of Ecology is continuing its campaign to reduce the amount of litter and garbage that lands on the state's highways by reminding drivers about the fines and dangers associated with their actions.

Billboard messages and public service announcements will warn drivers that they may be fined if they do not secure their loads. Worse yet, they may cause an accident.

"In 2002, some 350 car accidents involved litter or road debris," said Cullen Stephenson, who manages Ecology's solid-waste program. "Such accidents can have tragic results. Most could be avoided simply by tying down or covering loads."

Drivers can be fined $194 for failing to secure a load, and costs can escalate quickly if an accident is caused.

Lit cigarettes pose another threat. With drought-like conditions and tinder-dry forests, fire services across the state are concerned about wildfires.

"Based on these concerns, the Legislature has upped the fine for tossing a lit cigarette to $1,025," Stephenson said. "That's a stiff penalty, given how common it is to see someone throwing out a cigarette."

About 352 pounds of litter is picked up for every mile of highway in the state, litter surveys have shown. And about 3,000 cigarette butts are picked up per mile!

Fines for illegal dumping also have been increased. Those caught dumping other than at an appropriate landfill or waste-collection site could be fined up to $5,000 and face jail time.

Beginning in June, Ecology-sponsored public service announcements in English and Spanish will air throughout the state. If you see someone littering, report them toll-free at 866-LITTER1. More information is available online at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/litter/.