Littering Enforcement Pilot Project
A clean city is essential to the health and safety of our residents and the economic vitality of our neighborhoods. Everyone shares responsibility for maintaining a clean and green city. That now includes the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). The Council of the District of Columbia recently enacted legislation to enable MPD to enforce anti-littering laws. The Department of Public Works and the Mayor’s Office of the Clean City will continue to lead or initiate DC’s litter prevention efforts, as keeping the city clean is central to their mission. However, police officers, with their round-the-clock presence on the streets, can be an important part of the routine enforcement necessary to keep our city clean by deterring people from littering.
Littering Enforcement Pilot Project
On May 1, 2011, MPD launched a littering enforcement pilot in the Fourth Police District. Throughout May, MPD has been issuing warnings to violators as we work with community partners to educate the public about littering enforcement. Beginning June 1, 2011, anyone violating the city’s littering law in the Fourth District may be issued an actual ticket or subject to arrest. (D.C. Official Code § 8.801 et seq.)
- If an officer sees you intentionally or carelessly dropping rubbish, waste matter, refuse, garbage, trash, debris, dead animals or other discarded materials of every kind and description, on public space, in waterways, or on private property not under your control, you may receive a $75 ticket for littering. Failure to properly respond by following the instructions on the back of the ticket will result in additional penalties.
- If you are issued a ticket for littering, you are required to provide an accurate name and address to the officer. If you refuse or fail to provide an accurate name and address, you can be arrested. Upon conviction, you will be fined an additional $100 to $250 by the Superior Court.
Citywide Littering Enforcement
While the pilot is in effect, MPD will continue citywide enforcement of the prohibition against disposing, causing, or allowing the disposal of litter from a vehicle upon any public or private property. Litter includes all rubbish, waste matter, refuse, garbage, trash, debris, dead animals, or other discarded materials of every kind and description. If you litter while driving, you may be issued a $100 traffic ticket for littering from a vehicle.
Questions
If you have questions, please contact Sergeant Keith DuBeau (
keith.dubeau@dc.gov), or call (202) 345-1007, Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm.
Resources
Download the Flier
