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What is Litter?
Litter is all non-hazardous solid waste material
that is discarded by a person in an inappropriate
place or when improperly stored waste escapes from
its container. Litter may include fast food
wrapping, disposable containers, cigarette butts,
and garbage, as well as other items.
Why is Litter Bad?
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Litter is ugly, and it pollutes our land and
waterways.
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Litter increases
crime.
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It costs state and
local government over $6,000,000 a year to clean up
litter.
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Litter affects our
tourism, economic development, public health,
property values and our attitudes.
What is Being Done
About Litter in Calcasieu Parish?
The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury, the governing
authority for the parish, has been active in litter
reduction for some time. For several years the
Police Jury has funded a litter pickup program along
parish roadways.
This pickup program
has been effective, but removing litter without
having an enforcement program in place is an endless
task. That is why in the Fall of 1999, the Police
Jury established a litter enforcement system for the
parish. This program is a partnership between the
Police Jury, Constables, and Justices of the Peace.
How the Litter Enforcement Program Works
Through state law passed in 1998, Constables now
have the authority to write litter citations. In
Calcasieu, the Police Jury utilized this law to fund
and coordinate an enforcement program.
Here's how the program works: Constables conduct
litter patrols and investigations, and write litter
citations where violations have occurred. These are
civil violations, but monetary fines are imposed,
just as in criminal citations. Fines for first
offenses are $50 plus $50 special court costs, $100
total.
Each month a Litter Court is held to take action on
citations written. Litter Court is presided over by
a Justice of the Peace.
Reporting Litter Problems
Making this program successful will require help
from citizens of Calcasieu Parish. If you have
knowledge of areas that are used for illegal
dumping, or are aware of roadways or other locations
where littering is a problem, please let us know.
You may report littering problems by calling 337 /
721-3600. The information will be directed to the
appropriate litter enforcement officer, who will
investigate the complaint.
Remember, you can make a difference!!!
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