Littering Laws to Be Strictly Enforced, Cover Required When Hauling Trash

Local law enforcement vow to enforce litter laws in an effort to reduce the amount of trash accumulating on Sevier County roadways.

Due to an increase of litter, trash, and cigarette butts in our area, the Sevierville Police Department and Sevier County Sheriff’s Office are partnering with Keep Sevier Beautiful in an effort to keep our roadways clean. Effective immediately, SPD and SCSO will stringently enforce littering laws. If you are seen throwing items onto the roadway or hauling trash in a truck bed or trailer uncovered, you will be cited.

39-14-503. Offense of mitigated criminal littering.
(a) Mitigated criminal littering is littering in an amount less than or equal to five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one half cubic feet (7.5) cubic feet in volume.
(b) Mitigated criminal littering is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of fifty dollars ($50.00) and as provided in subsections (c) and (d).

16-205. Mitigated littering: City of Sevierville fine to include;
$50.00 fine & $50.00 court cost

39-14-504. Offense of criminal littering. (a) Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 lbs.)

39-14-507. Motor vehicles transporting litter. (a) (1) Any motor vehicle that transports litter or any material likely to fall or be blown off onto the highways, shall be required to have such material either in an enclosed space or fully covered by a tarpaulin.

TDOT maintains a toll-free hotline at 1-877-8-LITTER (877-854-8837). The information necessary to report a littering incident includes: License plate number (Tennessee plates only)

People who would like to find out more about community based projects or volunteer with Keep Sevier Beautiful, call 865-774-6677.