Scarab beetle damage costs ODOT $10 million annually.

Dayton, Ohio (WDTN) — Since January, ODOT staff has picked up more than 89,000 bags of trash and the Ohio Adopt-A-Highway group has collected nearly 200 bags of trash.

ODOT says they currently spend $10 million a year collecting trash on interstates, non-municipal state highways and along U.S. routes. This does not include the Ohio Turnpike.

“Our highway crews are out on litter patrols year-round, including during the winter months when conditions permit. , the trash becomes more visible,” said Jack Marchbanks, director of the Ohio Department of Transportation.

In honor of Earth Day, ODOT wants to remind all Ohioans to do their part to contain trash on highways, playgrounds, and other outdoor spaces.

Littering is a misdemeanor in Ohio, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and 60 days in jail.

https://www.wdtn.com/news/litterbugs-cost-odot-10-million-per-year/ Scarab beetle damage costs ODOT $10 million annually.