Securing loads would go a long way to preventing litter along freeways, highways

Littler found along Interstate 5 last week in Vancouver. Photo by Paul Valencia

The Washington State Department of Transportation has tips that will help with the state’s litter problem on its roadways

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

Last week, Clark County Today posted a response from the Washington State Department of Transportation, reacting to complaints about the litter along the freeways and highways throughout Clark County.

The story generated quite the reaction.

On Clark County Today’s Facebook page alone there were more than 130 comments.

“Never seen it this bad,” one noted.

The freeways have become “garbage dumps,” another said.

A WSDOT representative noted the litter cleanup is a complex issue, and budget constraints play a role.

There also is data to suggest that the problem is worse in Washington than in other parts of the country.

According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington roadways have 42 percent more pieces of litter than the national average. That was from a 2022 litter study, which estimated that nearly 38 million pounds of litter accumulate annually on Washington roads, on/off ramps, and public areas.

While some people have no regard for the environment and litter intentionally, a number of materials end up on the roadside unintentionally.

The Washington State Department of Transportation and Department of Ecology offer tips to decrease the number of litter along the state’s freeways and highways. Photo by Paul Valencia

WSDOT and the Department of Ecology offered some tips on keeping Washington litter free.

Secure your load — every trip, every time

Unsecured loads cause more than 300 crashes and account for up to 40 percent of roadside litter each year, studies show. Even a short trip across town can result in debris falling onto roadways.

Hold onto your trash until you reach a waste receptacle

Tossing just one bottle or bag may not seem like much, but those small actions add up to millions of pounds of litter and millions of dollars in cleanup costs every year.

Do not dump trash at rest areas, parking lots, or park and rides

Illegal dumping diverts staff and resources away from critical highway maintenance.

Have a garbage bag in your vehicle

Many people litter simply because they don’t have a trash bag in their car, according to the 2022 study.

Join the Adopt-a-Highway program

Volunteer or sponsor cleanup efforts for a two-mile stretch of highway near you. Groups clean up to four times a year and receive recognition with an official road sign.