The bill aims to enhance environmental protection by coordinating the scheduling of mowing and litter pickup along state highways in Washington. It emphasizes the importance of preventing the spread of litter, which can harm wildlife and contaminate soil and water. The legislature recognizes that mowing over litter not only disperses it but also complicates its proper disposal. To address this issue, the bill introduces a new section that mandates the scheduling of mowing to occur after litter pickup has been completed, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of roadside maintenance.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 70A.200.170 to clarify the responsibilities of the department in coordinating litter collection programs among various state agencies. It includes provisions for the department to develop criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of waste reduction and litter control programs, as well as to monitor and approve funding requests for these initiatives. The new legal language specifies that the Department of Transportation should prioritize scheduling mowing after litter pickup, while still allowing for maintenance activities to proceed if litter pickup has not been completed.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 70A.200.170