Can you get a ticket for littering in Illinois? Here’s what state law says
Many conscientious Illinois residents likely avoid littering due to its negative effects on the environment, but when is tossing trash illegal in the state?
The Illinois Department of Transportation reports it spent approximately $26.9 million on cleaning up litter and large debris in 2024, and in addition to “unsightly” streets, garbage thrown out on roads can also cause distracted driving and even collisions.
IDOT reported the approximately $26.9 million spent on removing litter and large debris last year could have instead paid for 100 maintenance trucks that also plow snow in the winter, purchasing all the salt the agency uses in an average winter or resurfacing 22 miles of interstate highway.
“Just a little litter might seem harmless, but it can create a big, expensive problem,” Illinois Transportation Acting Secretary Gia Biagi said in a May 14 press release. “At IDOT, we’re determined to put a lid on litter, but we need your help. Hang onto your garbage until you can get to a trash can. Tie down loads and cargo that can get caught in the wind. Let’s work together and keep our state and our communities litter free.”
Littering in the road also puts cleanup workers at risk, according to IDOT, and can kill animals and plants. State officials reminded motorists litter removal activities will ramp up with the warmer weather, and to slow down and move over to give workers space.
To help keep roads clean, IDOT recommends Illinoisans keep a container in their vehicle to collect and dispose of trash, consider utilizing reusable shopping bags and water bottles, make sure trash cans have securely attached lids and properly secure and cover loads in transport.
Here’s a brief overview of what Illinois state law has to say about littering.
Littering law in Illinois
The Illinois Litter Control Act says it’s illegal for anyone in the state to litter. The law describes litter as “any discarded, used or unconsumed substance or waste,” such as any type of trash, cigarettes, debris, lawn waste, newspaper or other items.
The law lists a few specific examples of what’s considered littering and is thus prohibited, including leaving litter on public or private property, throwing trash into a lake or river and dumping garbage from your car onto the street.
Some of the restrictions have certain exceptions, such as if the litter is placed into an appropriate receptacle, if it’s placed somewhere dedicated for disposal, if the person is lawfully acting in an emergency situation or if the person littering is leaving trash on their own property and if doing so does not create a hazard. More details about the act’s requirements are available online from the legislature’s environmental safety section.
“Law enforcement is allowed to ticket individuals for littering,” Illinois Legal Aid Online Deputy Director Gwen Daniels said in a June 6 interview with the News-Democrat.
There is a mandatory minimum fine of $50 for those who are cited for littering from a vehicle, but much larger fines can apply in different situations. IDOT reports littering can carry up to a $1,500 fine, and violators may also be required to maintain litter control over a portion of highway for 30 days.
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This story was originally published June 16, 2025 at 5:45 AM.
