Wake Announces Litter Enforcement Program

1/14/2008

Wake County Commissioners, in conjunction with Sheriff Donnie Harrison, will launch a pilot program to enforce the newly adopted litter ordinance and existing state law on Monday, January 14, 2008, at 1 p.m. at the Wake County Public Safety Center, 330 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh.

"Litter on the roads and highways is not a new problem. But, it is a problem that is growing quickly," said Commissioner Tony Gurley. "Wake County does not intend on following this trend, in fact we intend to reverse it. That is why the Board of Commissioners passed a strict litter enforcement ordinance."

Beginning today, off duty Sheriff’s deputies will patrol high litter zones and pull over anyone who litters. Between now and the end of the month, residents who are pulled over for littering will receive a written warning and be given information about North Carolina litter laws. Starting February 1 all litter violators will be ticketed for either a state criminal violation or a county civil violation.

"The program is simple. You litter, you pay for it. And you will pay a lot of money as well as your time," said Gurley. "Fines will range from $250 to $2,000."

The County has selected nine target road segments totaling 51 miles all over the county. Some of the roadways are in incorporated areas of Wake County and some are in municipalities. The Solid Waste Management division and the County Attorney’s office have trained 60 deputies on the new litter enforcement procedures.

"In addition to the Sheriff's Office's regular patrols," Sheriff Harrison explained, "we will have 15-20 off-duty deputies working four-hour shifts. Their primary responsibility will be to watch for people who litter, drive with unsecured loads, or dump trash illegally.

"Quite simply, your trash can cost you cash--and time. Is throwing a burger wrapper out your car window worth a fine that could cost you $2,000, hours of mandatory community service, and points on your driver's license?"

The information collected from this pilot program will serve as a basis for working with the Office of the County Attorney and the District Attorney’s Office and municipal law enforcement agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of pursing criminal citations and civil penalties for littering in Wake County.

The Solid Waste Management Division will work with a consulting company to identify and evaluate successful litter management models and their applicability to Wake County. This information will be combined with pilot litter enforcement data to form staff recommendations based on the tree pronged - Education, Enforcement and Clean-Up - approach to litter management and a summary report will be submitted to the Board of Commissioners.

Citizens can help maintain clean, litter-free roadways by disposing of all trash legally. Wake County has 11 convenience centers where residents can drop off recyclables and solid waste at no charge. Every municipality has collection services as well. Businesses and contractors have two County locations for waste disposal.

Motorists are asked to secure their loads. Covering trucks that have any amount of trash or light building materials in them prevents dangerous roadway littering.

Residents are also encouraged to use the litter line, 919-856-5700, to report litter ordinance violations. The calls are answered in the 911 communications center and forwarded to the law enforcement agency in the proper jurisdiction.

back to current news items