Caltrans District 2 is sounding the alarm on a growing public health and environmental crisis: a dramatic spike in littering along North State highways, including a significant increase in the improper disposal of human waste.
Agency officials are calling the trend a “serious issue” that is stretching public resources thin and creating hazardous conditions for state workers, local wildlife, and the region’s vital waterways.
A Costly and Biohazardous Cleanup
The scale of the problem is particularly evident along Interstate 5, where the influx of waste has forced Caltrans to hire specialized biohazard contractors. Currently, the district is spending approximately $9,000 every 90 days specifically for the removal of this material.
The results of recent cleanup efforts have been staggering. During the most recent sweep, specialized crews collected nine 55-gallon barrels filled entirely with human waste. While the most concentrated volume is found along the I-5 corridor, Caltrans notes that the issue is also increasingly affecting regional mountain highways, including those serving the Susanville and Lassen County areas.
Impact on Workers and the Environment
Beyond the financial cost to taxpayers, the agency emphasized that this type of littering is far from a victimless crime. The “unacceptable issue” poses several critical threats:
Worker Safety: Roadside crews and maintenance workers are being forced into unnecessary exposure to hazardous biological waste, significantly increasing their risk of illness or injury.
Environmental Damage: Human waste left along roadways does not stay there. It eventually leaches into the soil, harming local wildlife and threatening the purity of regional waterways.
Community Health: The presence of biohazardous material near shared roadsides degrades the quality of life for all residents and travelers in the North State.
How You Can Help
Caltrans District 2 is asking for the public’s immediate cooperation to reverse this trend and protect the communities we share. They have issued the following call to action:
Proper Disposal: Please ensure all litter and personal waste are disposed of in appropriate, designated facilities.
Protect Our Water: Never leave trash or human waste along roadways or in areas where it can enter the water system.
Report Issues: If you see significant illegal dumping or hazardous waste, report it through official channels rather than attempting to handle it yourself.
“Together, we can protect our workers, our environment, and the communities we all share,” the agency stated.
