PCPD getting results in litter enforcement on landfill trucks
In an effort to try and cut down on the trash piling up in medians and along the side of the highways in Polk County, police are stepping up enforcement of litter laws on tractor trailers hauling garbage to the landfill.
Polk County Police Chief Kenny Dodd said that over the past weeks, his officers have been pulling over trucks they find leaving the county landfill and didn’t cover up their trailers properly, which then ended with pieces of trash flying out of the back and onto the road.
Dodd said so far 8 trucks have been pulled over since the process began and fined $600 for littering, which has the net positive effect of getting a message across: Polk County will no longer tolerate litter on the side of the road.
“They are stopping now on the highway and covering the bed with a tarp, which is helping a lot so at least we have their attention,” Dodd said.
He said the enforcement effort was stepped up following complaints not just from local residents, but outside business interests looking at Polk County for future economic development.
Though he’s heard some complaints, Dodd’s contention remains that those bringing the garbage to the county’s landfill should make sure that it ends up where it belongs: in the dump.
Dodd said those wishing to avoid fines should simply ensure their loads are well covered coming to and leaving the dump, so that those seeking to avoid tickets can do so by following the rules already in place.