In partnership with Keep California Beautiful and the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Caltrans District 5 is participating today in a statewide litter removal and enforcement campaign. Maintenance crews throughout the central coast cleared debris from highway roadsides at various locations on the central coast.
Litter is a statewide concern requiring the use of money that could otherwise be spent on transportation projects.
“More than ever this year, it’s important that we think of ways to save taxpayer dollars. With the help and cooperation of motorists, we can save millions that Caltrans spends annually to clean up roadway debris,” said Caltrans District 5 Director Rich Krumholz.
Last year, Caltrans spent $50 million removing litter from 141,000 cubic yards of litter, trash and debris from state highways – enough to fill 8,860 garbage trucks.
Motorists are urged to become more aware of how they can reduce litter on central coast roadways. All trash – food containers, cigarette butts and plastic grocery bags – should be disposed of in a trash container. Litter can travel into storm drains and waterways where it becomes an environmental hazard in addition to a safety hazard and an aesthetic blight.
One way the public can help is by participating in Caltrans’ Adopt-A-Highway Program. To become a volunteer or support the program through a paid sponsorship, call 1-866-ADOPT-A-HWY or go to: http://adopt-a-highway.dot.ca.gov. Last year, Caltrans and its 3,300 Adopt-A-Highway volunteer groups cleaned over 130,000 miles along California’s highways.
Caltrans also reminds motorists that highway littering carries fines up to $1,000, enforced by the CHP. So please remember: “Don’t Trash California.”