One only needs to drive along Maine’s scenic roads and byways, or almost anywhere in the United States, to see bottles, cans, plastic and assorted trash strewn along the roadside, either carelessly tossed from vehicles or blown from uncovered truck loads.

For a state that proudly markets itself as “Vacationland: The Way Life Should Be,” and one that depends heavily on tourism, our leaders seem strangely indifferent to Maine’s growing litter problem.

Over the past few years, I’ve written to several state officials about roadside trash. A few responded with form letters, one blamed the pandemic, another never replied at all. Meanwhile, the Maine Department of Transportation spends roughly $500,000 each year cleaning up roadside litter, money that could be much better spent elsewhere.

Why not take a more proactive approach? Maine should launch a serious statewide anti-litter campaign and increase penalties for illegal dumping. Texas did exactly that with its famous “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign, which reportedly reduced roadside littering by 72%. Public education and stronger enforcement can work.

If we continue allowing our roadsides to become dumping grounds, Maine may eventually need a new slogan: “Trashland: The Way Landfills Should Be.”

Charlie Britton
Southport