Midlands litterers beware!

You’ve probably seen it: the casually tossed food wrapper out the car window. While some people would never think of doing such a thing, others think nothing of it. But they might think twice if they get a $200-$300 littering ticket.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott joined S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley Wednesday in announcing the Zero Tolerance for Litter Campaign in the Midlands.

To make citizens more aware of the state’s anti-littering laws, “vigilant enforcement of the litter laws is expected,” said Deputy Katelyn Jasak of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department.

Littering fines range from $200 for litter weighing less than 15 pounds to $1,000 for disposing of “a collection of litter or garbage” in an area not intended for public disposal of solid waste.

Big-time litterers may also have their motor vehicle, boat, aircraft, winch or crane (if used in the littering offense) seized by the state and be sentenced to at least 5 hours of picking up litter or another form of public service. Repeat offenders face higher fines and longer time in litter gathering activities.

“Litter is a crime and one that is completely avoidable, therefore it is not tolerated,” Lott said.

And in case you were wondering, according to S.C.’s litter law, cigarettes and cigarette butts are litter.

Citizens are urged to get involved in the Zero Tolerance for Litter Campaign by not littering and and reporting acts of littering by calling PalmettoPride at 877-7LITTER (754-8837).

This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 5:35 PM with the headline "Midlands litterers beware!."