LITTLE ROCK -- Arkansans have reported more than 55,000 incidences of littering since the 2004 inception of the Arkansas State Highway Department's toll-free Litter Reporting Hotline.
"Reporting an observed litter violation is quick, simple and anonymous," said Robert Phelps, director of the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission, which helps promote the Litter Hotline. "With the help of conscientious individuals, we can continue to raise awareness about the impact of littering on our environment and the quality of life in The Natural State."
More than half of the calls to the Litter Hotline have been related to the littering of tobacco products, such as cigarette butts. As of Aug. 18, Arkansans have reported the following number of incidences for these categories:
-- 29,586 tobacco products
-- 5,112 paper products

-- 4,622 food wrappers

-- 2,724 miscellaneous types of litter

-- 1,993 cans

-- 1,720 cups

-- 1,377 packaging

-- 1,034 bottles

-- 383 construction-related litter
Motorists who spot littering along any city street, road or state highway in Arkansas are encouraged to report the situation by calling the 24-hour hotline. Anything thrown or blown from any vehicle can be reported. Callers will be asked to anonymously provide the license plate number, make and color of the vehicle, the location of the incident and the type of litter involved; the Governor's Council on Litter Law Enforcement will send a letter to the vehicle's registered owner reminding them of Arkansas' litter law, informing them of the consequences of litter to our state and encouraging them not to litter.