While picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities define the Volunteer State, Tennessee is facing an ongoing issue that threatens to tarnish its natural beauty and civic pride. The culprit? Litter! But while TDOT and its grantees put boots on the ground to tackle this ever-growing problem, our state governing body is working tirelessly to address this through Tennessee litter laws and ongoing legislation.
Understanding Litter: What constitutes Littering in Tennessee
In Tennessee, litter is anything discarded improperly, from cigarette butts to tires. Even litter from a car accident or trash that blows out of a truck bed counts falls under this category and needs to be cleaned up. Every citizen is responsible for ensuring proper disposal of their trash, but commercial entities must also discarding unwanted materials responsibly.
The consequences of Littering
Whether through negligence or intent, littering in Tennessee carries consequences. From Class C misdemeanors for minor infractions to Class A misdemeanors and even felony charges for aggravated cases, the law leaves no room for leniency when it comes to keeping Tennessee clean.
Know the Difference: Mitigated vs. Criminal Littering
Tennessee litter laws classifies the amount of littering in two ways. Mitigated littering is litter that is less than 5 lbs in total. Criminal littering is when an individual or commercial entity dumps over 5 lbs of litter. With both types of littering, the law provides pathways for redemption and accountability.
Minor offenders who litter less than five pounds may face fines of up to $50 and community service. Littering between five and ten pounds is a Class B misdemeanor. Penalties include a $500 fine, court costs, community service of up to 80 hours. Occasionally offenders can even face the possibility of six months of jail time (Section 39-14-504).
For those who disregard the law with large-scale dumping or repeat offenses, consequences escalate to Class E felonies (Section 39-14-505/6). Littering more than three times or commit a second offense of dumping over ten pounds of litter falls under this category. Punishment for this offense is no less than one year and no more than six years in jail. The jury may also access a $3,000 fine. Such severe penalties underscore the state’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and protecting communities from environmental harm (Section 39-14-505/6).
Beyond Tennessee Littering Laws
Tennessee’s litter legislation emphasizes restoration, compelling offenders to rectify the damage caused by their littering. The court may choose to require a person convicted under this law to remove any substance discarded. They may also be responsible for restoring the property or waters damaged to its former condition at the offender’s expense (Section 39-14-506). With these punishments, the aim is not just to prosecute but to heal the wounds inflicted upon the state’s landscapes.
Law enforcement agencies across Tennessee uphold these regulations, with special provisions in place to incentivize reporting and enforcement. By reinvesting the fines that are collected into litter prevention programs and education initiatives, Tennessee’s battle against litter is fought on multiple fronts.
Empowering Citizens: Reporting Litter Through the Litter Hotline
While Tennessee’s litter laws provide a robust framework for enforcement and restoration, the battle against litter extends beyond punitive measures. While TDOT doesn’t wield prosecutorial authority, it recognizes the importance of prevention and education and offers a proactive solution through its Litter Hotline. It empowers citizens to take action against littering by providing a simple yet effective mechanism to report incidents anonymously. While authorities do not impose fines, they do send the litterer a letter. The letter contains information about the negative consequences of their actions and provides educational materials.
How You Can Help: Join the Fight Against Littering
In Tennessee, communities embrace the fight against litter as more than just a legal obligation. Littering is a shared responsibility woven into the fabric of community pride and environmental stewardship. We can all do our part to keep our communities clean and beautiful. By proper waste disposal, abiding by Tennessee litter laws, participating in volunteer clean-up efforts and continuing to invest in prevention, you can be part of the solution to end littering in our beautiful state.
