CLEAN WATER TIPS

Do you ever notice the dumpsters at the restaurant where you eat?  
Are the contained and taken care of or are they leaking into the nearest stormdrain?  
Take notice and help prevent pollution in your town.

Almost all facilities generate waste and temporarily stores the waste on-site. These dumpsters, compactors, or refuse bins can be a major source of stormwater pollution if they are not properly operated and maintained. Open dumpsters may collect rain water that mixes with the contents of the dumpster resulting in “leachate.” Leachate is prohibited to entering waters of the state.  This water may then wash leaking materials, spills, and trash from the dumpsters into storm drains. Wash water from cleaning dumpsters and loading docks is another source of stormwater pollution. This runoff water may contain grease, litter, bacteria, pathogens, and chemicals. Properly maintained dumpsters and clean loading docks may prevent unpleasant odors and unsightly conditions. Proper management and cleaning of dumpsters will minimize the potential for stormwater pollution from dumpsters and ensure regulatory compliance.

•    Keep dumpsters and compactors in a covered area. If this is not practical, ensure covers on each receptacle are closed after use.
•    Cover dumpsters without lids with a waterproof tarp.
•    Replace leaking dumpster, waste containers, and compactors as soon as possible.
•    Control litter by making sure waste is contained in dumpsters and compactors. Sweep loading dock area regularly and place sweepings in the trash.
•    Increase receptacle service frequency if capacity is routinely exceeded
•    Avoid or minimize placing liquid waste, grease or leaky garbage bags into dumpsters. Place liquid waste in closed or sealed containers for disposal.
•    Keep dumpster lids tightly closed to keep rainwater out and prevent leaks. Replace damaged or missing lids promptly.
•    Do not place hazardous waste in a dumpster.
•    Lock the dumpster or enclosure to prevent illegal disposal of hazardous material.
•    Post signs that indicate the materials that can be placed in the container.
•    Check regularly for unacceptable materials.
•    Inspect dumpsters and compactors regularly for leaks. Do not allow leachate from dumpsters and compactors to enter storm drains.
•    Inspect dumpster and compactor areas regularly for litter or stains.
•    When cleaning dumpster avoid hosing out the dumpster interior. Apply absorbent material such as kitty little over any liquids spilled in the dumpster and dispose of in the trash.
•    Replace leaking dumpster, waste containers, and compactors as soon as possible.
•    Install berms or curbs around dumpsters and loading docks to contain leaks, spills and trash. Collect any wash water with a wet vacuum system.
•    Install a water quality management device to treat runoff from the dumpster area.
 

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WHAT IS LITTER?

Litter is defined by Tennessee law as perishable animal and vegetable waste, garbage, perishable and nonperishable solid waste and tobacco products.

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TENNESSEE LITTER LAWS

Section 39-14-503. (a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume. 

• criminal littering is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00)

Section 39-14-504. (a) Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 Ibs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume.

• littering is a Class B misdemeanor, up to a $500 fine

• In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this part to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks or other appropriate public locations for not more than eighty (80) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period of time not to exceed eight (8) hours.

Section 39-14-505. (a) Aggravated criminal littering is littering:

• In an amount exceeding ten pounds (10 lbs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume; or

• In any amount for any commercial purpose

•  Aggravated criminal littering is a Class A misdemeanor, except in the following circumstances, in which case it is a Class E felony, up to a $1,500 fine.

 

Tennessee Toll-Free Litter Hotline
1-877-8-LITTER PROVIDES MOTORISTS A WAY TO REPORT LITTER BUGS

Tennesseans who are tired of trash along state roadways now have a new tool to report litter bugs. The Tennessee Department of Transportation announced today a new toll-free litter hotline, 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). The litter hotline is part of the statewide anti-litter campaign. The hotline provides a way for Tennesseans to report people they witness littering along the state’s roadways, such as a person throwing a paper cup or cigarette butt out of a window, or an item falling from an unsecured load.

“The new toll-free litter hotline gives citizens the ability to Stop It,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Now anyone who witnesses a person littering can report it and trigger action to improve the quality of the environment and the cleanliness of our roadways. Tennessee has some of the best roads in the nation. With everyone’s help, we can have some of the cleanest, too.”

Citizens who witness a litter bug in action can call 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). Callers will reach a recording that asks them to provide information about the vehicle. The information that will be requested includes:

• license plate number (Tennessee plates only)

• type and make of the vehicle

• day and time the incident occurred

• location where the incident occurred

• the type of item tossed or blown from the vehicle

TDOT will mail a letter to the registered owner of the vehicle along with a car trash bag or portable ashtray and other anti-litter information. The letter is a gentle reprimand reminding the recipient that littering is against the law and punishable by a fine of up to $1500.

 

Click here for more information.

https://nobodytrashestennessee.com/the-top-roadside-litter-laws-you-should-know-in-tennessee/