More Litter Information

Littering is illegal. ... Section 33.1-346 of the Code of Virginia makes littering or dumping trash a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500. Section 10.1-1143 of the Forestry Code makes it unlawful to throw “any lighted smoking material” from a vehicle. 

The most common types of litter found in our waterways are cigarette butts, plastic bottles, plastic bags, food wrappers, balloons, and fast-food cutlery such as straws, cups, plates, forks, knives, and spoons. Plastic litter is particularly problematic – it can last indefinitely.

   BALLOON LITTER AND FINE

  A Virginia law that went into effect Thursday prohibits the release of balloons outdoors, with a fine of $25 per balloon. The new law applies to anyone 16 or older who intentionally releases or discards any non-biodegradable balloons outdoors. Fines will go toward the Game Protection Fund.  

  If you litter on public or private property in Virginia, you can be convicted of a misdemeanor (criminal) punishable by a maximum fine of $2,500 and up to 12 months in jail. (See Virginia Code §33.1-346.)   

MYTH: Litter control is not important.    

 FACT: Litter may not be the most dramatic or exciting of the many problems that threaten the quality of our environment, but it is a problem which affects everyone in the community  

MYTH: Only "certain types" of people litter.  

FACT: "Litterbugs" can be found among people of every age, sex, race and ethnic origin, at every level of society and in all geographic locations    

MYTH: Littering creates jobs.     

FACT: LITTER COSTS MONEY. Pennsylvania taxpayers pay millions of dollars annually for roadside cleanup. PennDOT spends this amount to clean up only the worst areas - roads with high litter accumulation.      

MYTH: No one notices litter.     

FACT: LITTER DESTROYS THE BEAUTY OF A COMMUNITY. Tourism is an important part of Pennsylvania's economy. People come from all over the world to see the beauty of our countryside, towns and cities. When litter mars their enjoyment, Pennsylvania loses valuable tourist dollars.      

MYTH: Litter doesn't hurt anyone.     

FACT: Litter is a safety hazard. Litter is a breeding ground for fire and disease.     

FACT: Litter impacts car insurance rates because thousands of auto accidents are litter-related.     

FACT: Ingesting litter causes injury or death to thousands of pets, wild and farm animals.   

FACT: Litter is a breeding ground for rats and disease-causing bacteria.     

MYTH: Litter doesn't affect the economy.    

FACT: Litter discourages economic development because it impacts real estate values. Good stores and important businesses will not locate in a community which lacks the pride to effectively control litter.