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Is the state of Texas responsible for cleaning up trash on highways?

By Haley Samsel
YES

The Texas Department of Transportation is charged with cleaning up trash along highways. The state regularly hires contractors to pick up litter, paying more than $50 million for cleanup efforts in 2021.

However, it’s not always clear where the state’s responsibilities begin and end. Private toll road operators are responsible for cleanup along their lanes, and city crews are often responsible for trash on roads leading up to major highways.

Littering is against Texas law, with violators facing fines up to $500. Repeat offenders could face up to $2,000 in fines and 180 days in jail.

If you see debris or litter on highways, you can report it to the transportation department online. Drivers can also report litterers to the Don’t Mess with Texas litter campaign, who will mail a reminder to the driver about proper ways to dispose of trash.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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