Written By: Prince William County Police
Prince William County, VA… Did you know that dumping trash, companion animals or other items on a public roadway is a crime? Are you aware that pitching lighted matches, cigarettes, cigars, etc., from your vehicle can result in a ticket? Did you know that it is against the law to drive trucks and other vehicles that let contents drop, sift, leak or otherwise escape from them? April is Litter and Illegal Dumping Enforcement month, and the Police Department wants residents to be aware of these laws.
These and many other litter and illegal dumping laws are being enforced as Prince William County Police join law enforcement agencies throughout the metropolitan Washington region in observing Litter and Illegal Dumping Enforcement Month through April 30th. This campaign is part of an effort to raise awareness of litter, illegal dumping and related crimes, as well as reduce litter by strictly enforcing existing laws.
Officers have concentrated on litter laws, illegal dumping and unsecured truck load laws throughout the County. Throughout the month, police have issued citations and made arrests of individuals caught in the act of violating these laws.
Area residents can do their part to discourage the careless discarding of trash from vehicles by monitoring their actions and those of their passengers. Residents can also call the Police non- emergency number, 703-792-6500, to report trucks with unsecured or uncovered loads, instances of illegal dumping of trash, or other violations of the litter laws.
Litter Enforcement Month is part of the Alice Ferguson Foundation’s “Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative” to support local law enforcement officers as they dedicate the month of April to vigorously enforce litter laws. COG’s Police Chiefs’ Committee is a partner with the Foundation to try and reduce litter and change behavior in communities across the region.
Littering and illegal dumping negatively affect our neighborhoods and the Occoquan and Potomac rivers. Further, litter that surrounds homes and businesses affect feelings of well-being, recreation and tourism in the County, and studies show that there is a strong correlation between large amounts of litter and increased crime.