Litter
The Ohio Department of Transportation maintains almost 50,000 lane miles of state highway and 80,000 acres of right-of-way. We have a lot of ground to cover – and unfortunately, so does litter. Yes, we see it, too.
From as small as a cigarette butt to as large as an old mattress, litter is ugly, expensive, and illegal under any circumstance. Littering is a misdemeanor in Ohio, and it can be punished with up to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail. Motorists can be charged or ticketed for litter released by any occupant of their vehicle.
Despite all this, ODOT must expend approximately $4 million every year combatting litter along the state transportation system. Sadly, that time and money addresses an issue that's 100% preventable.
To report litter on the state transportation system, please use our contact form.
Please select "Mowing, Vegetation, Litter, and/or Snow & Ice Operations" for the subject and be specific about the location of concern.
Pick-Up Reporting
Use the online form to report a litter pick-up session.
Learn More About Litter Prevention and Clean-Up
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Adopt-A-Highway
The Adopt-A-Highway program allows communities and residents of Ohio to help keep our state clean and free from litter.
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By the Numbers
Here's how ODOT cleans up litter – including how much we pick up and how much it costs Ohio's taxpayers.
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A Little Litter is a Big Problem
Learn more about the multi-agency effort to prevent and combat litter in the state of Ohio.
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Sponsor-A-Highway
Businesses and groups can sponsor litter clean-up services along a one-mile, one-direction segment of highway.
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Highway Litter Study
ODOT completed a study about litter in Ohio and created a roadmap for prevention. Read the findings here.
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Litter Fact Sheet
Download a fact sheet on litter costs and prevention in Ohio.