Disposal of Roadside Litter Mixtures

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 184: Disposal of Roadside Litter Mixtures will be of interest to maintenance managers, maintenance engineers, those responsible for environmental protection and waste management, and others concerned with the removal and disposal of litter from the roadside. Information is presented on the various aspects of the roadside litter problem, including the causes, amounts, costs, and hazards of litter disposal. This synthesis describes the state of the practice with respect to the magnitude and character of the roadside litter collection and disposal process. This report of the Transportation Research Board discusses various state practices with regard to roadside litter collection and highlights the volunteer efforts for roadside litter removal, such as Adopt-a-Highway and Keep America Beautiful. The disposal practices followed by state highway maintenance agencies are described, as are the issues associated with the available landfill disposal sites, incineration, and other disposal methods. Alternative strategies and deterrents to highway litter, such as litter reduction regulations and educational programs are presented, together with suggested strategies for recycling, reuse of materials, and smart purchase practices. Recommendations for future research are also included.