Litter Hotline delivers reminder that trashing Arizona costs us all

PHOENIX — Those who litter along Arizona highways can face fines up to $500. But those fortunate enough to have fellow motorists rather than law enforcement see them may wind up getting a letter warning about the harm litter causes – and a litter bag.

In partnership with Keep Arizona Beautiful, a statewide nonprofit organization that empowers citizens to care for their environment through litter prevention, recycling and beautification, the Arizona Department of Transportation maintains a Litter Hotline allowing the public to report those who trash our highways. Providing a vehicle’s license plate number and other details to 1-877-3LITTER, or through an online form on Keep Arizona Beautiful’s website at kazb.org, results in a cautionary letter being sent.

About 1,500 letters go out each year. Nothing is shared with law enforcement, and those reported have no points added to their driver licenses.

“Besides harming Arizona’s land, water and quality of life, littering along highways is a significant cost to ADOT and, in the end, to all of us,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “While those who litter deserve what they get if caught by law enforcement, a gentle reminder through the Litter Hotline can make someone think twice about tossing something out the window.”

In the Phoenix area alone, highway maintenance crews pick up enough litter each year ‒ about 1.2 million pounds in all ‒ to fill more than 111,000 garbage bags.

In addition to the Litter Hotline, ADOT combats litter through its Adopt a Highway programs. Adopt a Highway volunteers can apply for two-year permits to clean up roadside litter, or businesses can contract with maintenance providers to perform the work as part of the Adopt a Highway sponsor program.