House Environmental Committee backs study of litter enforcement and costs

Representative Cirici introduced House Resolution 352, saying the measure would direct the joint state government commission to study litter and why existing laws are not consistently enforced. Cirici told the committee that District 6 PennDOT staff estimated it cost "$5,000,000 to pick up litter in the corridor," and described a separate incident in which a five‑gallon bucket lodged in a drain required breaking up pavement and cost "a few $100,000" to remove.

The resolution’s sponsor said a formal study should identify what enforcement is or is not working and return recommendations to the General Assembly. "We should be able to do this with existing staff," Cirici said, adding he expected the commission’s work "to cost us nothing to do." He framed the study as a way to determine whether laws are too restrictive or whether enforcement and resourcing are lacking.

Opponents and questioners raised concerns that the Department of Environmental Protection already publishes a Pennsylvania Litter Action Plan and warned against duplicating work and spending taxpayer funds on another study. One member noted the DEP plan’s stated goal is to prevent littering through a research‑based, statewide action plan; that member suggested the committee coordinate with DEP rather than commission a separate study.

Members discussed alternatives to hiring contractors or consultants to pick up litter. Representative Filick suggested using community service workers and Department of Corrections crews; in response, sponsors and members recalled that corrections crews had been used historically but that pandemic restrictions and safety requirements have limited such use. Committee members emphasized PennDOT’s safety procedures for roadside crews — including setting signage and traffic controls on high‑speed corridors — and the additional cost that traffic controls impose.

Representatives also highlighted existing community cleanup efforts. A committee member noted that PennDOT will supply bags and safety vests for volunteer groups and will retrieve filled bags left at the roadside if notified in advance. Representative Rivera said local PennDOT offices sometimes drop off supplies and later collect the trash.

The committee voted to report House Resolution 352 to the full House. The clerk conducted a roll call and the ayes were declared. The resolution now moves to the House for further consideration.

Next steps: HR 352 has been reported by the committee and will appear on the House calendar for further action.