June is Zero Tolerance for Litter Month
With the start of summer travel, June presents an ideal opportunity to launch a significant effort to keep our roadways clean. Because an estimated 20% of roadside litter originates from unsecured loads, June is Zero Tolerance for Litter Month in conjunction with National Secure Your Load Day on June 6.
Zero Tolerance for Litter is a joint initiative brought to you by PalmettoPride and the South Carolina Litter Control Association to heighten public awareness of South Carolina’s litter laws. This month-long campaign unites law enforcement officers from municipalities to state agencies in a two-part mission: to increase enforcement of state litter laws and to educate the public on these laws and the importance of litter prevention. Our enforcement partners help make this campaign each year.
How can an enforcement agency participate in Zero Tolerance?
We want people to know that littering is against the law. Littering is thought of as being an eyesore on our roads, but it can also be a source of roadway accidents and fatalities. We want citizens, law enforcement agencies and our judicial system to take litter laws seriously. We want everyone to be aware of the dangers of litter and respect the codes and laws on all levels–from municipal to state.
- Educate officers on litter laws and encourage increased ticketing efforts
- Host a tarp or cargo net giveaway in your jurisdiction; we can provide tarps!
- Promote the campaign on social media by sharing our posts
- Host litter cleanups in your community; we can provide supplies!
- Meet with elected officials to discuss best enforcement practices
- Table at community events educating the public on our state’s litter laws
What are the benefits of litter law enforcement? The benefits range from a cleaner appearance in South Carolina to tackling community safety and fostering economic development. Litter is considered a major factor in the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and Broken Windows Theories of law enforcement. Litter, along with graffiti and vandalism, are signs of community deterioration and have a direct impact on higher crime rates. We all have to work together. We need officers enforce the law; the magistrates uphold the tickets and our partners help educate people on the effects of litter.
Overview of South Carolina Litter Laws
Enforcing the litter laws can also bring about some hefty fines, mandatory community service hours, and imprisonment. Fines range from $25 to over $1,000.
- Litter: Littering under 15 pounds is punishable by up to a $100 base fine; 8 hours of litter-gathering labor or other form of community service; 30 days imprisonment, SC Code of Laws § 16-11-700.
- Illegal Dumping: Littering over 15 pounds is considered illegal dumping and is punishable by up to a $1,000 base fine; order to remove dumped litter; to repair or restore any damaged property; to perform litter-gathering labor or other form of community service; one year imprisonment, SC Code of Laws § 16-11-700.
- Unsecured Loads:
- Vehicles on public highways must be loaded or built in a way that prevents their contents from falling or leaking out. Failure to prevent the escaping of materials loaded onto a vehicle is punishable by a $100 base fine and an order to clear highway of escaped cargo or to pay for the cost of removal, SC Code of Laws § 56-5-4100.
- No vehicle which transports litter may be driven or moved on any highway unless the litter is secured by means of a covering which is fastened securely so as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, or otherwise escaping from the vehicle. Failure to do so is punishable by up to a $200 base fine, SC Code of Laws § 48-53-20.