PennDOT, PSP Highlight Collaborative Efforts to Combat Littering in NEPA

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) held a press conference today in Lackawanna County to highlight their collaborative efforts to combat littering, particularly in designated Litter Enforcement Corridors.

These corridors, identified as areas of high aesthetic or historical value or requiring additional litter control, are marked with signs warning motorists of increased penalties for littering. Fines are doubled for individuals and tripled for commercial businesses caught littering within these zones.

“PennDOT Engineering District 4 is proud to continue our partnerships with the Pennsylvania State Police, the Department of Corrections (SCI Waymart and Dallas), and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful today to highlight our efforts to reduce littering in Northeast PA,” said Loni Tomaine, P.E., Acting Assistant District Executive of Maintenance, PennDOT Engineering District 4.

The agencies emphasized the importance of these corridors in preserving the area’s aesthetic appeal and ensuring the safety of individuals picking up litter. Motorists are reminded to yield the right of way to workers in these areas, similar to construction zones.

PennDOT is also seeking volunteers for its Adopt-A-Highway program, which encourages individuals and groups to take responsibility for keeping sections of state-owned roadways litter-free. Individuals or groups like clubs, schools, churches, businesses, and families can adopt roadways and other areas. Participants receive gloves, trash bags, and safety vests and are recognized with signs along the adopted roadway.

Interested parties can sign up for the program at www.adoptahighway.penndot.pa.gov.