COLUMBIA -- The SC Litter Control Association, PalmettoPride and statewide law enforcement agencies kicked off the 2008 Zero Tolerance for Litter Awareness Campaign Wednesday  at the South Carolina State House. Zero Tolerance for Litter unites law enforcement in efforts to increase awareness about state and local litter laws.

The 2008 enforcement campaign will take place this weekend, March 27-29. Law enforcement officers will be encouraged to write tickets targeted at littering, unsecured loads, and illegal dumping. In addition, they will inform citizens of the litter laws in South Carolina, which include cigarette butt litter and driving a vehicle with an unsecured load. A complete list of South Carolina’s Litter Laws can be found at www.palmettopride.org.

"Zero Tolerance for Litter continues to demonstrate that our state is committed to preserving the natural beauty of SC. Through the efforts of many municipal, county, and state agencies during this campaign many people will be reminded that it is against the law to litter," said Ryan Lesesne, president of SCLCA.

Litter control is a vital part of protecting the community, increasing safety and improving quality of life. Litter control protects our communities from unsightly trash and debris and is equally significant in preventing higher crimes. Eliminating litter generates a community that its citizens can take pride in.

State and local law enforcement agencies work with PalmettoPride, Keep America Beautiful affiliates and other environmental groups year-round to educate citizens on the effects of litter and the benefits of a litter-free environment.

PalmettoPride is the state anti-litter and beautification organization dedicated to changing the behavior that causes one to litter and they are committed to the eradication of litter and the promotion of beautification in South Carolina. PalmettoPride will accomplish this by leading the effort to motivate and organize groups to clean up existing debris. Our focus is on four essential areas of concern: education, enforcement, awareness and pickup resulting in behavioral change.

The South Carolina Litter Control Association (SCLCA) was organized to promote litter enforcement, to protect the environment and to heighten public awareness of the litter problems. In partnership with SCLCA, PalmettoPride works to engage law enforcement officers in enforcing South Carolina’s litter laws and spreading awareness of the fines associated with these laws.

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