LAKE COUNTY – Areas along Highway 53 are cleaner thanks to a statewide Litter Removal and Enforcement Day held Wednesday.
Caltrans, California Highway Patrol and Keep California Beautiful joined forces in the cleanup effort, which is meant to address the ongoing problem of litter along state highways.
Caltrans District 1 spokesman Phil Frisbie said 30 Adopt-A-Highway volunteers helped Caltrans employees remove approximately 100 bags of trash from along Highway 53.
Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway volunteers and groups who participated in the Litter Removal and Enforcement Day in Lake County were Debbie Ogulin, Galilee Lutheran Church, Konocti Vista Casino and Lake County Stonewall Democrats.
Frisbie said the overall amount of trash found alongside the road this year appeared about the same as in previous years, with some larger trash items already having been removed because Caltrans maintenance crews have started mowing, and large items can damage their mowers.
On Wednesday Caltrans reported that it spent $57 million in 2008 alone to pick up trash along California state highways, where litter not only is unsightly but gives rise to pollution.
Litter commonly found on highways includes food wrappers, napkins, tires, magazines, motor oil and anti-freeze containers, and soda cans and other recyclables, Frisbie reported. Highway littering carries fines up to $1,000.
Caltrans reported that a primary source of litter is untarped truck loads.
“Litter is a big issue, but we can all be a part of the solution,” said Charlie Fielder, Caltrans District 1 director. “Please hold on to your garbage until it can be disposed of properly. If you use a truck to haul loads, tarp your load to keep it contained.”
For more information on the Caltrans Adopt-A-Highway program, call Nita Brake-Mills at 707-441-5761.
E-mail Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
