ADOT sees jump in litter complaints due to new reporting methods

PHOENIX — A pair of new reporting methods have helped the Arizona Department of Transportation receive more complaints about litterbugs in recent months.

Reports of litterbugs between April and September were up almost 70% over the previous year thanks to the creation of the Litter Hotline website and an option to call 511 and submit a report, ADOT said Thursday in a press release.

Both of the reporting options have been available since June.

“It’s a reminder for drivers that other people have noticed that people are littering and they don’t appreciate it,” Caroline Carpenter with ADOT told KTAR News 92.3 FM. “Arizonans want to keep our state looking good and we should all be doing our part to make sure that’s happening.”

Carpenter said the ease in which the new methods allow drivers to report litterers is a big reason why the numbers have increased.

Those wanting to file a report on the Litter Hotline website only have to provide a license plate number and make and model of the vehicle.

Drivers who call 511 go through the same reporting process.

“What will happen after we receive the report is send the registered owner of the vehicle a note saying littering is illegal and that it can be up to a $500 fine,” Carpenter said.

ADOT said it spends more than $4 million a year removing trash along state highways.

Volunteers last year cleaned up more than 13,000 bags of litter from state highways, according to the release.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Ali Vetnar contributed to this report.

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