Louisiana has a stern warning for litterbugs: We’re not taking your trash anymore!
Harahan Representative John Illg authored the new state law that beefs up enforcement of the state’s anti-littering enforcement efforts.
“The park rangers are going to be able to go out on the roadways and outside of parks in the state and enforce litter laws,” Illg said.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says part of the new law is the establishment of a litter hotline.
“If you report somebody littering, and you turn them in, they’re going to get a ticket in the mail. And the study shows if you get a ticket or you pick up litter for a day, you’re 80% less likely to litter,” Nungesser explained.
Fines for littering range from $175 for simple littering on a first offense up to $1,000 for gross littering – dumping large amounts of trash or having an illegal dump site. For those who can’t afford the fines, the judge has the option to require eight hours of picking up trash. Nungesser says if you think those fines are stiff, think about what littering costs the state.
“We’re on a mission to make Louisiana litter-free, so we don’t spend $100 million a year cleaning litter. That’s what we spent last year. And that money could be better spent on other things,” Nungesser said.
Illg and Nungesser touted the new law ahead of the start of the Keep Louisiana Beautiful State Conference.
Citizens are encouraged to call the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries at their hotline number, 855-LA-LITTER (855-525-48837), if they witness littering and illegal dumping.