Sheriff says county will step up enforcement against hauling companies after commissioners raise roadside litter concerns

Crawford County commissioners on Jan. 21 pressed haulers and landfill representatives about recurring roadside litter, and the county sheriff said law-enforcement steps would be taken to stop trucks that spill loads.

Commissioners and private hauler representatives described repeated instances of unsecured loads and trash blowing onto county roads. The commission asked for coordinated remedies and discussed technology such as mechanical balers that compact litter and reduce loose material.

Sheriff Billy Tomasi told the meeting: “We're gonna start stopping these vehicles. We're gonna do inspection on semis and trailers and everything. If we got put them out of service, we're going to put them out of service.” Tomasi said officers can issue citations for debris on the highway under state law.

County staff referenced a Kansas statute that prohibits vehicles from operating on a highway with loads that can spill, leak or escape; the commission cited the statute in support of stepped-up enforcement. Commissioners asked the sheriff and state highway patrol to increase inspections near the landfill and along corridors used by out‑of‑county haulers.

Hauler representatives said they had been attempting to ensure trucks are tarped and swept, and discussed operational constraints such as roll‑type tarps and walking‑floor trailers that complicate re‑tarping at scale. Commissioners suggested a work session with haulers, state agencies and county staff to identify practical countermeasures and potential grant-funded equipment such as balers or vacuums used by other jurisdictions.

The sheriff’s office and county staff agreed to pursue enforcement actions and to coordinate with state troopers; commissioners asked staff to follow up with a meeting that includes haulers, county road crews and state agencies.