Louisiana Versus Litter: The Litter Hotline

It's no surprise that Shreveport has been in a battle against litter, earlier this year Shreveport Police Department announced they had made their first litter-related arrest. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, along with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF), and Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) are launching a statewide program to fight back against litter. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says "We are ramping up litter enforcement in Louisiana with support from the State Police, Wildlife and Fisheries agents, and local law enforcement. It's important that we educate those guilty of littering and work together to keep Louisiana Beautiful."

Specifically, Keep Louisiana Beautiful will begin operating the state's new litter hotline, encouraging residents to report anyone they witness littering to the hotline, 855-LA-Litter (855-52-548837). When reporting a violator to the hotline callers are asked to give the violator's license plate numbers and the vehicle's make and model. The appropriate agency will be sent that info and they will send a warning letter and possibly fines depending on other factors.

According to KLB Executive Director Susan Russell, the state spends $91.4 million annually, fighting back against an estimated 143.8 million pieces of litter across Louisiana's streets and roads.

Shreveport and Bossier City have organizations dedicated to fighting litter within their respective cities. Shreveport Green is dedicated to connecting Shreveport to "...a deeper appreciation and commitment to the well-being of our surroundings," doing volunteer work around the city, planting trees, cleaning litter, and cultivating community projects. Shreveport Green accepts volunteer work to help clean up our city. Bossier City has Keep Bossier Beautiful (KBB), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the natural beauty of Bossier City. According to KBB "Our identity is rooted in the drive to end litter, protect the environment, and beautify the community." KBB gladly accepts volunteer work for their mission to Keep Bossier Beautiful.