Littering on highways costs Illinois $41.3 million in 2021

 

SPRINGFIELD – Last year, the Illinois Department of Transportation spent $41.3 million on litter pickup, sweeping shoulders and removing large debris. With the arrival of spring, IDOT is reminding drivers to not litter, but also to be on the lookout for crews picking up debris on and around roadways. Littering is subject to a fine of up to $1,500 in the state, with potentially other penalties, including being required to pick up litter for 30 days over a portion of a roadway.
“Litter might seem like a temporary problem, but it can have long-term, far-reaching impacts,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “During the pandemic, we have observed much more littering taking place. We are committed to helping maintain a positive impression of Illinois by keeping roadsides clean, but we can’t do it alone. We’re asking you to think before you throw and properly dispose of trash.”
Last year, IDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program resumed normal operations after they were temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Volunteers logged 766 hours while participating in 1,317 cleanup activities. Almost 1,600 bags of garbage were collected, with a VCR, car parts, and an assortment of old gym shoes among the items collected and properly disposed.