The trashing of Georgia’s roadways continues unabated and it is costing state taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

The Georgia Department of Transportation announced that its work crews collected an astounding 973,208 pounds – more than 486 tons – of trash from the state’s roadways, in just one week. 

By law, Georgia DOT is responsible for maintenance of federal and state highways, including litter pick-up.  As a result, litter removal is a year-long priority for the Department.  But each April, maintenance crews across the state dedicate one week to a concerted clean-up campaign in conjunction with Keep Georgia Beautiful’s annual Great American Clean-Up.  This year’s results, while not surprising, remain staggering.  From less than half of Georgia’s 18,000 miles of roadways, crews filled 81,591 bags with trash.  It took them about 59,000 man hours and cost Georgia taxpayers approximately $1.3 million in labor and equipment. 

Annually, the Department spends some $15 million on litter removal and that amount does not include the expenditures of local communities and other organizations.    

“This is simply a disgrace,” Georgia DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham said.  “No one would allow neighbors to dump garbage in their yards or driveways.  Throwing it out on their highways is no different.  And given this state’s very real and very serious transportation needs, we obviously could be spending that $15 million on more productive programs and efforts. ” 

Trash, debris and environmentally hazardous materials on roadways do more than compromise Georgia’s natural beauty; they create a significant safety issue for workers charged with the clean-up and also for motorists. Appliances and construction debris fallen from unsecured truck beds, for example, can cause accidents, serious injuries, even fatalities.   

Georgia DOT is one of several state and local agencies committed to a statewide litter prevention effort as part of Governor Sonny Perdue’s 2006 executive order.  The “Litter. It Costs You.” campaign includes strategies for public education, litter eradication and enforcement of the state’s anti-litter laws.  It also encourages and fosters individual, community and civic group participation in litter awareness and prevention activities.       

More information on the state’s litter prevention and abatement effort can be found on the Web site www.litteritcostsyou.org.  

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment.  For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit our Web site (www.dot.ga.gov).