Quincy Reporter

The Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to dispose of trash properly and be vigilant as crews work to pick up litter.

The “Think Before You Throw" is the state’s effort to encourage citizens to properly dispose of trash and save millions, according to a recent press release. In 2020, trash removal cost the state of Illinois $6.1 million. This is the equivalent of resurfacing 30 miles of road or buying 40 new maintenance trucks.

“While IDOT is committed to maintaining a positive impression of Illinois by having our maintenance teams collect litter from our roadsides, we need your help,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary, Omer Osman, in the release. “If the warmer temperatures make you tempted to toss that food wrapper or pop can out your car window, please don’t. Trash is more than just an eyesore. It has real, negative impacts on both the environment and our communities.”

Sen. Jill Tracy also highlighted the “Think Before You Throw” campaign and said that last year volunteers logged 766 hours through 1,317 cleanup activities. She also urged people to throw away their trash properly and be vigilant for workers picking up litter.

Items tossed onto roads can cause distractions, as well as accidents and hurt people, the release stated. It also puts maintenance workers at risk. Litter also kills plants and animals and is a disgusting sight.

Littering can lead to a fine of up to $1,500, and if convicted of littering on a highway, the violator may also be required to maintain litter control for 30 days.

“Littering is a problem that’s easily controlled,” the release stated. “Use a trash can instead. Remember: think before you throw!”

In addition to maintenance teams and volunteers removing trash from roadways, residents are asked to be aware of crews performing construction, according to the IDOT. Illinois residents can check for road construction at the IDOT road construction map page on the Department’s website.