Every year in Washington, more than 12 million pounds of litter is tossed and blown onto highways and roads. Another 6 million pounds is tossed in parks and recreation areas. Litter creates an eyesore, harms wildlife and their habitat, and puts motorists at risk.
Ecology leads a partnership of state, county, and local agencies to keep the state’s roads and highways clean, pick up illegal dumps, and prevent people from littering in the first place. Together, these groups picked up more than 4.5 million pounds of litter in 2020.
Washington's litter programs
In 2020, Ecology-funded programs picked up over 4.5 million pounds of litter and cleaned 21,581 miles of road statewide. Volunteer crews picked up hundreds of thousands more pounds of litter.
Ecology Youth Corps
Since 1975, we've employed more than 12,000 young people who have removed litter and promoted recycling and litter abatement through out the state. The Ecology Youth Corps (EYC) is Washington's largest youth employment program.
Community Litter Cleanup Program grants
The Community Litter Cleanup Program (CLCP) provides local governments with funding for litter pickup, illegal-dump cleanup, and litter-prevention education.
Washington Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program
Adopt-a-Highway is a roadside clean-up program that promotes pride and local ownership in Washington. Thousands of miles of roadway statewide are available for adoption. Do something great for your community — volunteer and we’ll recognize your group's effort on a roadside sign.
Litter laws
Washington requires motorists to prevent litter by covering their loads and having a litter bag in their vehicle. The law imposes fines for people caught littering; fines range from $50 to $5,000.
Contact information
Amber Smith
Statewide Litter Prevention Coordinator
Amber.Smith@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6057
Ariona
Southwest Region Litter Administrator
Counties: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, Wahkiakum
ariona@ecy.wa.gov
360-407-6351
Rod Hankinson
Central Region Litter Administrator
Counties: Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Kittitas, Klickitat, Okanogan, Yakima
rodney.hankinson@ecy.wa.gov
509-454-7209
Dan Skillman
Northwest Region Litter Administrator
Counties: Island, King, Kitsap, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom
dan.skillman@ecy.wa.gov
425-649-7258
Laurie Dahmen
Eastern Region Litter Administrator
Counties: Adams, Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman
laurie.dahmen@ecy.wa.gov
509-329-3506