Cost of litter cleanup delays other NCDOT projects

By March, NCDOT spokesman Marty Homan said, "We do have our litter contractors back in place."

Homan says since January, the DOT has picked up three million pounds of roadside trash. The problem, he says, is how quickly it comes back.

"Just the carelessness of people chucking their fast food bags and drink cups out the windows," said Homan. "We need people to not treat the roadside as their trashcan."

Time and money spent picking up trash impacts other projects.

"When we have to spend north of $10 million a year across the state addressing litter, those are bridges that are going to be closed for another year," said Homan. "Those are potholes that are going to be there longer, that’s another year that a road has to wait to be resurfaced."

NCDOT is recruiting volunteers for its annual litter sweep, which is April 10 to the 24.

They provide volunteers with trash bags, gloves and orange safety vests.

And remember, keep your trash for the can and secure your load.

"Bungee strap, tie it down, put a tarp over it," said Homan. "Make sure nothing goes flying out of your truck bed."

Keep our roads classy, not trashy.