‘Nobody Trashes Tennessee’ campaign aims to reduce litter on state roadways

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Roadside trash is a multimillion-dollar downside throughout Tennessee. The Tennessee Division of Transportation estimates that 100 million items of trash get tossed onto roadways yearly. TDOT Transportation Program Supervisor Denise Baker mentioned the division spends a whopping $19 million yearly on cleansing up litter. 

“Spending $19 million on something could be very costly, and we might like to put that cash towards different program areas within the state of Tennessee,” Baker mentioned.

The “No person Trashes Tennessee” marketing campaign was created in 2016, with the purpose of schooling and a name to motion for residents of the volunteer state.

“What we’re actually specializing in is altering habits of Tennesseans within the state,” Baker mentioned. “If you happen to see litter, choose it up. Be conscious of lined load legal guidelines right here within the state of Tennessee, so in case you are carrying one thing in a truck, be sure to’re protecting your load.”

The marketing campaign has launched figures resembling “Trashsquatch.” He excursions Tennessee spreading an anti-litter message.

Then there’s “Pink Plastic Cup,” a would-be piece of trash together with his personal discuss present. He invitations visitors to the present, together with former Titans participant Eddie George.

“Our job is to guard these assets,” George mentioned in a promotional video. “There’s nothing worse than seeing some ugly trash on our roadways.”

No person Trashes Tennessee goes past characters and caricatures to offer choices for motion, together with the legacy Undertake-a-Freeway program and a hotline the place you may report litterbugs, who can be despatched an informational care package deal.

“If you happen to see a car throwing litter, they’ll obtain an informational packet about why it’s dangerous to litter and in regards to the environmental, financial results that litter has in your neighborhood.”

If you’re caught littering by a legislation enforcement official, you could possibly be pressured to pay a high quality and/or be requested to carry out public service.