Senate Passes Graduated Penalties for Littering

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Senate unanimously passed legislation on Monday night that will create graduated penalties for littering. The bill, Senate Bill 1265, is sponsored by Sen. Tim Burchett (R-Knoxville).

“Our current litter laws penalize dumping 1000 pounds of trash the same as throwing out a chewing gum wrapper,” commented Burchett.  “This bill will strengthen Tennessee’s litter laws and make them more enforceable.  It will go a long way to make our state a cleaner place to live.”

The bill states that a first offense of littering less than 10 pounds would be punishable by a $50 mail-in fine.  An offense of littering 10 pounds to 1000 pounds would be raised to a Class A Misdemeanor of $500.

Littering of 1000 pounds would be deemed commercial dumping.  A second offense of commercial dumping would be a Class E Felony and could carry jail time and a potential fine of $2,500.

The bill will need to pass the House and be signed by the Governor before becoming law. 

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