ILLINOIS — Littering may seem like a minor offense, but under Illinois law, it carries serious financial and environmental consequences. As warmer months approach, state officials are warning residents to be more mindful about how they dispose of waste.
Illinois Spends Millions Cleaning Litter
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the state spent approximately $26.9 million in 2024 removing litter and debris from roads. That funding could have instead purchased 100 snowplow trucks or resurfaced 22 miles of interstate highway.
IDOT Acting Secretary Gia Biagi emphasized the ripple effect of careless littering, saying, “Just a little litter might seem harmless, but it can create a big, expensive problem.” She urged residents to secure loads in transit, use proper containers, and dispose of trash responsibly.
“Let’s work together and keep our state and our communities litter free,” Biagi added in a May 14 press statement.
What the Law Says About Littering in Illinois
Under the Illinois Litter Control Act, it’s illegal to discard any “used or unconsumed substance or waste” in public spaces. This includes:
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Throwing trash on sidewalks, streets, or highways
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Dumping garbage from a car
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Disposing of items into rivers or lakes
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Leaving debris or yard waste on private property not your own
Exceptions are made if the waste is placed in an official receptacle, the disposal is necessary due to an emergency, or the litter remains on your own property without causing hazard.
Fines Can Go Up to $1,500
Violators of the littering law may face steep penalties. As reported by IDOT and Illinois Legal Aid Online, fines for littering from a vehicle begin at $50 minimum, but can reach up to $1,500, especially if repeat offenses or environmental harm is involved.
Additionally, individuals may be ordered to perform litter cleanup for 30 days along state highways.
Deputy Director Gwen Daniels told the News-Democrat that “law enforcement is allowed to ticket individuals for littering,” reinforcing that even minor infractions are enforceable by police.
Keeping Illinois Clean Starts With Small Actions
To minimize the litter burden, IDOT suggests:
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Keeping a trash container inside your car
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Tying down loose items in vehicles or truck beds
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Using reusable bags and bottles to reduce waste
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Ensuring trash cans have tightly sealed lids
With an increase in roadside cleanup activity during warmer months, drivers are also reminded to slow down and give IDOT workers space to operate safely.
Have You Seen Littering in Your Community?
What steps do you think Illinois should take to enforce these laws better? Share your views in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
