Tarp It or Ticket
Don’t Let Your Trash Take Flight
Unintentional littering is still littering. Half of North Carolina’s roadside litter blows off vehicles. Every driver has a responsibility to protect roads, natural areas, and neighborhoods. Even if you never intend to litter, failing to secure items in a truck bed, trailer, or vehicle can scatter debris—causing environmental damage, traffic hazards, and costly cleanups.
Items that fall or are blown out of a moving vehicle are also considered illegal litter—even if by accident. North Carolina law requires all loads to be secured, and violations can result in fines of up to $2,000.
View North Carolina Law G.S. 20-116(g) Now
Common examples include:
- Trash bags or loose papers blowing from open windows
- Construction materials sliding out of truck beds or trailers
- Yard debris, furniture, or household waste not properly secured
Know Before You Go
Even short trips to the landfill, convenience sites, or recycling centers require preparation. Unsecured loads are a leading cause of roadside litter and create safety hazards for other drivers. Follow these best practices to keep your load safe, secure, and compliant with local regulations:
- Never place loose trash directly in your truck bed
Loose debris can easily blow out, even at low speeds, contributing to roadside litter and potential fines. - Bag all trash and recyclables
Use heavy-duty, sealed bags to prevent contents from spilling or tearing during transport. - Cover your load
Use a tarp, cargo net, or fitted cover to keep materials contained—even if they appear heavy or tightly packed. - Secure your load
Anchor items with bungee cords, tie-down straps, or rope to prevent shifting or falling during the drive. - Do a final walk-around
Before leaving, inspect your vehicle to make sure nothing is loose, overhanging, or at risk of falling off.
Best Practices for Specific Situations
- Construction and Yard Waste:
Use mesh tarps to contain gravel, soil, leaves, or branches, which are prone to becoming airborne. - Light or Loose Items:
Bag, bundle, and tightly cover these materials, securing all edges to prevent blow-away. - Furniture, Appliances, and Large Items:
Secure each item with ratchet straps or rope, and use a tarp to reduce wind resistance and keep items stable.
The Truth About Loose Loads
Every load must be secured, no matter how short the trip or how heavy the item. Unsecured items can quickly become dangerous litter, create traffic hazards, and violate North Carolina law. Here are some common misconceptions and the facts you need to know:
“I’m Only Going a Short Distance.”
Even quick trips across town can lead to items falling from your vehicle. It only takes seconds for unsecured items to become dangerous litter. Always secure your load to reduce risk and protect our roads and environment.
“This Item Is Too Heavy to Blow Out.”
Weight doesn’t guarantee safety. Sudden stops, potholes, sharp turns, or uneven roads can shift or launch even heavy items. Secure all items, no matter their size or weight.
“I’ll Drive Slow.”
Driving slowly helps, but it’s not enough. Wind gusts, slopes, or nearby traffic can still dislodge items. The only way to reduce the risk of losing your load is to tie it down and cover it securely.
“It’s Not Littering If I Didn’t Throw It Out Intentionally.”
Intent doesn’t matter. North Carolina law considers any debris that falls from a vehicle to be illegal littering. Fines for unsecured loads can reach up to $2,000. Always secure your load to avoid penalties and keep roads safe.
Be the Eyes for a Cleaner Community
Report Littering & Illegal Dumping
Illegal littering and dumping damage the environment, harm wildlife, and cost taxpayers thousands in cleanup each year. If you witness someone littering or dumping, take action. Your report can help hold violators accountable and keep Pitt County clean and beautiful.
Submit a Swat-A-Litterbug Report Online via NCDOT
To report from your phone Use the Swat-A-Litterbug Mobile App
To report directly to Pitt County Solid Waste:
Reports are reviewed by the appropriate local or state agency. Follow-up may include warnings, fines, or further investigation depending on the violation.
Keep Roads Safe, Streams Clean, and Our County Beautiful
Public Safety
Unsecured debris can cause serious accidents when drivers swerve or brake suddenly to avoid objects in the road. Items such as furniture, tools, tree limbs, and plastic tarps have all contributed to traffic incidents.
Environmental Protection
Litter often ends up in waterways, storm drains, and green spaces. It can:
- Pollute streams, rivers, and wildlife habitats
- Harm birds and animals that ingest or become entangled in debris
- Degrade the natural beauty of our county
Community Pride & Cleanup Costs
The State of North Carolina and Pitt County spend significant taxpayer dollars each year cleaning up roadside litter. Preventing litter at the source is far more cost-effective than cleanup and helps maintain a cleaner, more attractive community for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Join the Movement
Everyone has a role to play. Whether reporting illegal dumping, volunteering at a cleanup, or securing your own load, your actions matter. Join your neighbors in keeping Pitt County litter-free. Together, we can make a lasting difference.