Trash it and pay a price

Littering can be a costly crime in Idaho.

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Story Published: Aug 11, 2008 at 11:09 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 10:45 PM PST

By Hayley Guenthner

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LEWISTON - Toss some trash, toss some cash. That's the word from the Idaho State Police when it comes to littering.

Bottles, cardboard, paper. They can all be spotted in waste bins, but also on the roadways. and Idaho State Police Lieutenant Allen Oswald says authorities are
on the hunt for motorists trashing the roads.

"You can't throw anything onto the highway or shoulder,” said Oswald. “Basically that involves anything in your vehicle, any loads unsecured, and specifically lit cigarettes."

Oswald said the violation involving cigarettes is the one can burn you the most.

"With fire season and the recent fire on the Lewiston Hill, it's very important that you don't throw anything, such as a lit cigarette on the side of the highway. It could cause a huge fire, damage property, or potentially take lives."

Oswald said violators of Idaho’s litter law will find it to be an expensive mistake.

"If we see some littering and we're in a marked unit, we'll pull them over and issue them a citation for littering,” said Oswald. “We have a lot of citizens that report littering and give the vehicle description, the plate, description of the driver. We'll follow it up and issue a citation."

Oswald said it's easy to keep the up to $300 dollar fine in your wallet.

"Clean your car out at the dumpster,” he said. “Any carwash has a dumpster, each household has a dumpster. Take your trash out and throw it away. If you have a load, your taking to the eco or transfer station, the law specifically states any loads need to be tied down and secured so debris doesn't fly out."

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