Keep Fairfax County Streets and Highways Clean and Litter Free!

Virginia spends about 5 million tax dollars annually; and nationally, the cost is 2.5 billion tax dollars a year for litter cleanup. Debris in the roadway causes approximately 2,500 vehicular accidents a year. Every year, motorists drop over 16,000 pieces of litter on each mile of primary highway. Too much of that trash and litter is washed into stormdrains and creeks and streams, and pollutes important watersheds and ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay.

Littering is Illegal

• Section 33.1-346 of the Code of Virginia makes littering or dumping trash a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail* and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
• Section 10.1-1143 of the Forestry Code makes it unlawful to throw “any lighted smoking material” from a vehicle. This is a Class 2 misdemeanor violation, punishable by up to 6 months in jail* and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

* With either the Class 1 or Class 2 offense, community service can take the place of jail time.

You may also report a litterer by:

1. Calling the Report A Litterer Hotline at 703-324-3106
2. Tweet the information to @CleanFairfax

Thank you to the VIPS (Volunteers in Public Service) who help the Fairfax County Police Department with this program.

PLEASE NOTE: The registered owner of the offending vehicle will receive an advisory letter from the Fairfax County Police Department reminding him/her of the anti-littering laws that are enforced in Fairfax County.

* Fines, and other punitive action can only be taken if actions are witnessed and enforced by an authorized official.