DeKalb Times

State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) is collaborating with local officials in the 70th House District to address the growing issue of trash blowing off waste-hauling trucks. The sight of litter scattered along roads has not only become an eyesore but has also raised safety and environmental concerns for many communities. Additionally, local farmers have been experiencing damage to their operations and fields due to the debris. Keicher aims to increase enforcement of current laws and propose new policies to tackle this problem.

Keicher expressed his frustration with the situation, stating, "For years, I've been frustrated with the trash that's been windblown from waste haulers going through our communities. Besides the litter problem, trash blowing off waste trucks is a safety hazard, and it is damaging local farmers' fields and equipment." Current laws impose only nominal fines on the truck driver responsible for the debris, but not on the waste-hauling company itself. Local law enforcement has stepped up their enforcement efforts, but long-term solutions require changes to state law.

DeKalb County Sheriff Andy Sullivan, whose department has increased enforcement, emphasized the impact on farmers, saying, "Trash blowing from garbage haulers is a major problem, particularly for our farmers. Not only are farmers forced to invest extra time and resources to clean up the debris, but the debris, particularly plastics, is damaging their equipment." Sullivan acknowledges that while current law enforcement has been helpful, a change in policy is necessary to address the issue effectively.

Local farmer and Vice President of the Kane County Farm Bureau, Dale Pitstick, shared his concerns, stating, "On a daily basis, I see trash fly off waste trucks as they pass by my fields. It's very disheartening to see the litter covering the landscape." Pitstick highlighted the environmental impact, noting that the trash ends up in the water supply, and farmers have had to till their fields again in the fall to prevent equipment damage. He believes that raising awareness about the problem can lead to meaningful change.

Keicher has been actively engaging with waste organizations and state legislators from both parties to find policy solutions. He is optimistic that progress can be made during the upcoming spring session of the legislature. Two of Keicher's proposed bills, HB 2419 and HB 2420, aim to address the issue. HB 2419 would allow municipalities to require waste haulers to install protective chutes to prevent waste spillage during curbside pickup. On the other hand, HB 2420 would establish a grant program funded by fees assessed on waste haulers. This program would provide funding to local governments for roadside cleanup when haulers fail to secure their loads properly. The fees would be reduced or waived for fully enclosed haulers that prevent debris from escaping.

Rep. Keicher represents the 70th District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties. With the collaboration of local leaders and a focus on policy changes, the goal is to put an end to the problem of roadside trash and ensure a cleaner and safer environment for all.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repkeicher.com/2023/12/18/rep-keicher-local-leaders-working-to-send-roadside-trash-problem-to-the-dump/