The benefit of throwing trash out of your moving car window is the increased enjoyment of your clean car during the temporary stretch of travel that ends with a stop at a trash can. The costs of throwing trash out of your moving car window is the dis-scenic-amenity that is suffered by all other car travelers. The costs outweigh the benefits. In other words, too much trash is thrown out of moving car windows (Talkin' Trash):
Tougher law. More tickets. And the roads in the Carolinas are still a mess.
The litter still gets dumped at red lights. It blows off the beds of pickups or tumbles off of poorly tied-down trailers.
A smashed cooler on Interstate 485. Pieces of a kid's swing set alongside I-77 near Fort Mill. Beer bottles, soda cans, paper wrappers. Pink insulation and a ladder on the freeway shoulder.
What can be done to improve the situation (i.e., reduce the negative externality)? Economic theory says to decrease the benefits and/or increase the costs of littering.
Texas is trying to increase the costs of littering [In addition to public spending to clean up the mess and moral suasion (e.g., Willie Nelson don't like trash)]:
Fine: $500; repeat offenders up to $2,000. Failing to cover a pickup load is up to $200 and $500 for repeat offenders. North Carolina has a $100 fine and $200 for repeat offenders, with the possibility of picking up trash as community service. Truck loads must be tied down or covered.
This might work, but enforcement is the key. How many of you think that you will get caught if you toss your Mickey-D bag or cigarette butt out as you head down the highway?
Motorists who spot litterers can ask the state to send a warning letter. Note the driver's license tag, vehicle model, location, date and time. Then call the customer service office at N.C. Department of Transportation, 1-877-DOT-4YOU (368-4968).