OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Ecology is taking aim at roadside litter.

As part of their ongoing Earth Month campaign, the Department is highlighting the tons of trash picked up from Washington’s roadways each year.

Their 2022 statewide litter study found that over 1,500 lbs. of trash can be found each year on any given mile of an interstate highway.

Local roads see an annual average of 143 lbs. of trash per mile.

Department of Ecology researchers found that the biggest reason people threw their litter out the window was because they did not have a trash bag in their vehicle.

In an effort to combat additional waste, the Department has launched its “Simple As That” campaign.

They are urging drivers and passengers to keep a litter bag in their vehicles or to hold onto their trash until they reach their destination.