OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Litter on the side of the road is an unsightly issue and several state agencies are launching a campaign to help clean things up.

The state Department of Ecology and Washington State Department of Transportation say that nearly 38 million pounds of trash are removed from roads and public areas across Washington every year.

Other than causing potential safety risks for other drivers, waste thrown from vehicles also pollutes water sources.

In an effort to reduce the amount of money spent on cleaning the state’s roadways, Ecology began its “Simple As That” campaign on Sept. 13. They’re encouraging drivers to either keep a litter bag inside their vehicles or to hold on to their trash until they find a garbage can.

Free litter bags are available at Fred Meyer locations across the state.