‘Operation Clean Sweep’ aims to tackle litter along Maryland roadways – WTOP News

The Maryland Division of Transportation State Freeway Administration launched “Operation Clear Sweep Maryland” Friday — aiming to extend litter elimination alongside roadways all through the state.

As a part of the hassle, the state will double how often crews choose up litter and mow alongside Maryland roads. Maryland will even rent extra state staff to assist with litter pickup.

Operation Clear Sweep Maryland is starting within the D.C. and Baltimore areas.

“Maryland’s highways join us to buddies, household, faculties, jobs and recreation, and function the welcome mat for guests to our state,” Appearing Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld mentioned in a information launch. “We are able to’t permit litter to destroy the great thing about our communities and threaten our security and the atmosphere. We want the assistance of everybody to deal with this downside, and our state freeway crews are ready to cleared the path.”

Because of a light winter, crews can be doing sweeps via principally traveled areas to do litter pickup operations. Additionally, litter elimination cycles will virtually double through the mowing season to maintain tempo with litter issues, in keeping with the information launch.

MDOT is rising its yearly upkeep price range to virtually $30 million to assist out with the litter elimination efforts. The division spent round $39 million in accumulating and throwing away over 26,000 truckloads of litter on state roads within the final 5 years, in keeping with the information launch.

“We acknowledge extra must be performed to maintain Maryland’s roads well-maintained and litter-free,” State Freeway Administrator Tim Smith mentioned. “We’re rising our efforts, however we want the general public’s assist as properly. We ask that everybody put trash the place it belongs: in a trash can.”

Individuals can name 410-545-0300 to report litter points and excessive grass round roads.

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