The Arkansas Department of Transportation, Arkansas Highway Police and the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Office are launching a statewide awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at reducing litter along Arkansas highways.
The campaign, set to begin in July, will focus on Arkansas laws requiring waste materials to be securely transported in vehicles. ARDOT said unsecured loads can allow garbage, debris and other materials to escape onto roadways, creating hazards for motorists and adding to the state’s ongoing litter problem.
According to the department, litter removal is a significant expense. ARDOT reported spending approximately $9.7 million last year to collect and dispose of litter from Arkansas highways.
Arkansas law prohibits littering on public property and requires drivers hauling waste, garbage or other materials to secure their loads to prevent debris from leaving the vehicle. Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges, fines, community service and responsibility for removing the litter or debris.
Arkansas Highway Police plans to increase enforcement efforts related to the secure transportation of waste materials as part of the campaign.
ARDOT said the effort is intended to encourage compliance with state litter laws and reduce trash along highways, rather than generate revenue through citations.
Questions about Arkansas litter-law requirements or enforcement may be directed to Arkansas Highway Police at 501-569-2421. Residents interested in ARDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program or other litter-reduction efforts may contact the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Office at 501-569-2227.
