Different law enforcement agencies are responsible for litter and illegal dumping enforcement across Iowa. And fines for littering vary. For example, the fine for a littering misdemeanor along Iowa highways is $70 plus court costs; for state parks it is $35, and for other state lands the maximum penalty is a $500 fine and a possible litter-gathering project; the maximum fine for dumping is $5,000 per day violation. To date, no direct educational effort has been made to inform officials on state and local regulations and processes and to communicate the importance of prevention. Litter penalties are not currently trackable.
As a result of a three-year process, KIB has recently established solid partnerships with the Iowa State Patrol (including 16 educational officers), Iowa Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association, the Iowa Police Executive Forum, and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. In late 2006, three of these organizations teamed up to promote anti-litter messages through a statewide 1.888.NOLITTR hotline number. This proposal calls for additional efforts of KIB to work directly with targeted members of the following law enforcement organizations: Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards; Iowa Association of Naturalists; DNR park and compliance/enforcement officers; Iowa Department of Environmental Quality officers; and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy staff and students.
The legal system also plays an important role in litter and illegal dumping enforcement and will be included as part of this project. In order for enforcement to be effective and serve as a preventative tool, littering needs to be considered a serious crime. Littering citations need to be enforced. KIB will provide a first-time, tailored training to targeted members of key legal organizations including, but not limited to: Iowa Judges Association; Iowa State Bar Association, Iowa Trial Lawyers Association.
Enforcing the state's litter laws is a key component in changing behavior and curbing the litter habit. Enforcement plays an important role in stopping litter:
- Education reduces, but doesn't eliminate littering;
- Enforcement, over the long-term, is cost-effective;
- Investigation of litter violations can lead to the discovery and prosecution of bigger crimes;
- The public wants and expects enforcement.
- This program opens the door to increased understanding of overall environmental and resource issues.
A 17-month pilot project working with Boone, Dubuque and Pottawattamie Counties has been funded through a grant from the Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) - Conservation Education Program.