5 Facts You Should Know About Littering Laws in Tennessee

From Tennessee’s picturesque mountains to its rivers, lakes and highways, it’s hard to stumble on an area that hasn’t been impacted by the effects of litter. Littering is not just an eyesore; It has severe consequences that can affect our roadways, waterways, plants and wildlife. Tennessee’s littering laws aim to tackle this growing problem by holding violators accountable for protecting our environment free of trash and debris.
Learning what constitutes litter and the legal repercussions of littering is the first step toward prevention. Here are five facts you should know about littering laws in Tennessee:

1. The Most Common Types of Roadside Litter are Avoidable

Every day, countless pieces of garbage are thrown from moving vehicles and scattered across our Tennessee roadways. Trash creates an unsightly and dangerous hazard for pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers.

Everyday items contributing to roadside trash include:

All of these items have one thing in common—they significantly contribute to Tennessee’s litter problem! They can also be easily disposed of properly. We encourage you to do your part and keep these items off our roadways to avoid fines and keep our state beautiful.

2. Intentional and Unintentional Litter: Both Harm Tennessee’s Environment and Are Against the Law

Littering takes two primary forms:

Unintentional Litter:

Accidental occurrences, such as debris blowing off an uncovered truck bed. To prevent this, Tennessee enforces the Tarp it or Ticket rule, which requires drivers to cover their truck beds with a tarp to prevent items from flying out and contributing to roadside litter. Failure to comply with this rule can result in fines, further underscoring the importance of preventing unintentional litter.

Intentional Litter:

Deliberate acts, such as throwing trash out of a car window.

Regardless of intent, both types of littering are illegal in Tennessee and come with serious consequences, including fines and community service. The impact on the environment is the same—harmful and avoidable.

3. Tennessee Has Laws That Help Stop Littering

Tennessee enforces strict penalties for littering, depending on the weight of the discarded items:

  • 5 to 10 pounds: Class B misdemeanor with up to $500 in fines, court costs, and 80 hours of community service.
  • Over 10 pounds: Class A misdemeanor with penalties up to $2,500 and 160 hours of public service cleanup.
  • Repeated offenses: Escalation to a Class E felony.

Additionally, offenders may be required to clean up the litter they caused. These laws aim to deter individuals from contributing to the state’s litter problem.

4. Littering Impacts the Environment and the Economy

Littering harms wildlife, contaminates soil and water, and mars Tennessee’s natural beauty, and its impact extends beyond the environment. While the Tennessee Littering Laws impose penalties for littering, the litter still has to be picked up. Cleanup efforts divert valuable funds that could otherwise support community needs. In addition, the presence of litter negatively affects tourism—diminishing the appeal of Tennessee’s iconic landscapes and attractions. Together, these consequences strain resources and hinder economic growth. By working to reduce litter, we can protect both the environment and the health of our economy.

5. Reporting Littering Helps Enforce Laws and Raise Awareness

Tennessee residents play a vital role in combating litter by reporting violations. If you witness littering, you can report it by calling the TDOT Litter Hotline at 1-877-8-LITTER or filling out an online form. While offenders aren’t fined, they will receive an educational reminder about the consequences of their actions and how to prevent littering. This effort helps create awareness and encourages accountability.

It’s Time to Take Action Against Litter

Understanding and following Tennessee’s littering laws is essential for protecting our environment, wildlife, and communities. By taking small steps—such as properly disposing of waste, educating others, and reporting violations—you can be part of the solution to a cleaner, more beautiful Tennessee.

Sources:

Share This

More To Explore

SMALL CHANGES THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
HOW TO HELP END LITTERING IN TENNESSEE
HOW TO ORGANIZE A LITTER CLEANUP IN YOUR COMMUNITY