Gov. Carney launches statewide anti-litter campaign

Volunteers picking up trash on a meadow

Gov. John Carney on Tuesday, April 30 announced the launch of the “Keep DE Litter Free” initiative, a campaign to reduce litter across Delaware.

“If you’re like me, you notice litter everywhere – in trees, on highway ramps, and along roads in all three counties,” Carney said. “When I took the oath of office to become Delaware’s 74th Governor, I pledged not only to uphold our Constitution, but to “˜respect the right of future generations to share the rich historic and natural heritage’ of our state.”

In partnership with Keep Delaware Beautiful, the campaign seeks to partner with local officials to pursue anti-litter policies such as enhanced penalties for illegal dumping and bans on plastic bags.

A 2018 study from Keep Delaware Beautiful and the State of Delaware identified more than 6,000 pieces of litter for every mile of Delaware roadway surveyed. That includes cigarette butts, plastic bags, aluminum cans, and glass bottles.

“In addition to negatively impacting the appearance of our state and the environment, reckless littering also causes us to devote significant time and man power to cleaning it up,” said Jennifer Cohan, secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation. “We have men and women risking their lives on our roads picking up trash that careless people just toss out their windows. It’s just not acceptable.”

“Every Delawarean can play a role in helping to Keep Delaware Beautiful by committing to do their part,” said Julie Miro Wenger, Executive Director, Keep Delaware Beautiful. “We hope to help change behavior. We appreciate the commitment and partnership with the Governor, his administration and the legislature.”