PWC police step up enforcement of litter and illegal dumping laws

Did you know that dumping trash, companion animals and other stuff on a public roadway is a crime? Or that pitching lighted matches, cigarettes, cigars, etc., from your vehicle can result in a ticket?

Did you know that it’s against the law to drive trucks and other vehicles that let contents drop, sift, leak or otherwise escape from them?

These and many other litter and illegal dumping laws will be enforced as Prince William County Police has issued a press release notifying the public that will will be joining law enforcement agencies throughout the metropolitan Washington region in observing the fourth annual Litter and Illegal Dumping Enforcement Month, through April 30.

This campaign is part of an effort to raise awareness of litter, illegal dumping and related crimes, as well as reduce litter by strictly enforcing existing laws.

Officers will concentrate on litter laws, illegal dumping and unsecured truck load laws throughout Prince William County. Throughout the month, police will issue citations and make arrests of individuals caught in the act of violating these laws.

Local drivers can do their part to discourage the careless discarding of trash from vehicles by monitoring their actions and those of their passengers.

Residents can also call the Prince William County Police non-emergency number, 703-792-6500, to report trucks with unsecured or uncovered loads, instances of illegal dumping of trash, or other violations of the litter laws.

Litter Enforcement Month is part of the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s “Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative” to support local law enforcement officers as they dedicate the month of April to vigorously enforcing litter laws.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Police Chiefs’ Committee is a partner with the Foundation to try to reduce litter and change behavior in communities across the region.

Littering and illegal dumping negatively affect our neighborhoods and the Potomac River.

Further, litter that surrounds homes and businesses affect feelings of well-being, recreation and tourism in the County, a press release said.

Studies show that there is a strong correlation between large amounts of litter and increased crime, according to the press release.

All residents of Prince William County and all business owners/managers are asked to Take Control! Take Care of Your Trash!

To let us know about your community clean-up plans,send an email to: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).