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Litter

Welcome to the Department of Ecology (Ecology) Litter web site!

Ecology has always been involved in statewide litter programs, but legislative changes in 1998 put the agency in a new leadership role. With the passage of the 1998 Litter Act (Second Substitute House Bill 3058, which was incorporated into RCW 70.93), Ecology became responsible and accountable for administering state agency allocations of litter tax funds. A central coordinator within Ecology was hired to work cooperatively with other state agencies (Departments of Corrections, Natural Resources, Transportation, Revenue, and Parks) to develop programs and monitor their progress and results. By centralizing management of the fund statewide litter programs have become more effective, with a focus on coordinating litter collection and prevention efforts.

On this web site you will find information about litter laws, various litter cleanup programs, cleanup statistics, links to litter-related publications, and information about the Litter and it Will Hurt prevention campaign. Hopefully, you will find something to inspire you to help us reach Washington's zero litter goal!

Ecology is partnering with Washington high school DECA clubs and Comcast Spotlight to sponsor the very first "Litter and it will hurt" video competition. For more information on the 2007 "Litter and it will hurt" Video Competition visit www.litteranditwillhurt.com.