Metro East Sun

The issue of trash scattering from waste-hauling trucks on their way to landfills has become a common sight, causing not only aesthetic problems but also raising safety and environmental concerns. This issue has been particularly damaging for farmers' operations and fields. In response, State Senator Erica Harriss and State Representative Jeff Keicher have collaborated with local leaders in their respective districts to formulate legislation aimed at mitigating this problem.

On Wednesday, House Bill 4848 was unanimously passed by the Illinois State Senate, following its unanimous approval in the Illinois House. The bill is now awaiting the Governor's signature to be enacted into law.

"Trash flying out the back of a truck not only creates serious safety concern for those traveling up and down our roads, but it also creates an environmental concern," said Senator Harriss. "My hope is through this legislation, we can cleanup our roadways by eliminating potential hazards and holding bad actors accountable for not following the law. This bill is another step in the right direction to cleaning up roads in Madison County and across our state."

Under current law, truck drivers face nominal fines for failing to secure their loads properly and allowing debris to scatter. However, under the proposed legislation by Harriss and Keicher, drivers could face a maximum fine of $150. If a driver commits four or more violations within a year, their trucking company would also be fined $150. Additionally, HB 4848 establishes a process for distributing collected fines to local governments for clean-up efforts when necessary.

Representative Keicher voiced his frustration with this persistent issue: "For years, I’ve been frustrated with the trash that’s been windblown from waste haulers going from transfer stations to landfills through our communities. Besides the litter problem, trash blowing off waste trucks is a safety hazard, and it is damaging local farmers’ fields and equipment."

He further added: "House Bill 4848 will help us curb the problem by strengthening the current requirement for how waste hauling trucks must cover their loads, as well as holding the companies accountable through an updated violation and fine process."

With HB 4848 having unanimously passed both houses of the General Assembly, Keicher and Harriss are now anticipating its signing into law by the Governor.

Senator Harriss represents the 56th District, which includes parts of Madison and St. Clair counties. More information can be found on her official website www.senatorericaharriss.com.

Representative Keicher serves the 70th District, encompassing parts of DeKalb, Kane, and McHenry Counties. For more information about HB 4848 or Representative Keicher, visit RepKeicher.com.