ONTARIO, Ore. — An increase in urine-filled plastic containers disposed along a section of Interstate 84 in eastern Oregon has prompted warnings from police and the Oregon Trucking Association.
Oregon State Police Sgt. Jason Reese said a litter crew picked up an estimated 200 to 300 urine-filled plastic bottles in a 25-mile stretch of Interstate 84.
“The main portion, about 100 bottles, was found on the eastbound side in a three-mile stretch called ‘Three Mile Hill’ between milepost 356 and 359,” Reese said. “This area is prone to this problem because commercial trucks are driving at a slow speed and drivers can urinate into bottles and toss them out the window.”
Officials agree that the problem isn’t caused just by truck drivers, but some drivers said the price of fuel may have caused drivers to travel slower than normal to save diesel while skipping rest areas or truck stops.
Oregon law specifically addresses roadside disposal of urine. It’s a misdemeanor offense and violators can be fined up to $250 and sent to jail.
Oregon State Police and the Oregon Trucking Association have joined together to ask all drivers to help keep the state beautiful and to stop littering along the highways. They advise travelers to plan ahead and keep track of available rest areas and other restroom facilities.
Idaho Press-Tribune
Oregon State Police Sgt. Jason Reese said a litter crew picked up an estimated 200 to 300 urine-filled plastic bottles in a 25-mile stretch of Interstate 84.
“The main portion, about 100 bottles, was found on the eastbound side in a three-mile stretch called ‘Three Mile Hill’ between milepost 356 and 359,” Reese said. “This area is prone to this problem because commercial trucks are driving at a slow speed and drivers can urinate into bottles and toss them out the window.”
Officials agree that the problem isn’t caused just by truck drivers, but some drivers said the price of fuel may have caused drivers to travel slower than normal to save diesel while skipping rest areas or truck stops.
Oregon law specifically addresses roadside disposal of urine. It’s a misdemeanor offense and violators can be fined up to $250 and sent to jail.
Oregon State Police and the Oregon Trucking Association have joined together to ask all drivers to help keep the state beautiful and to stop littering along the highways. They advise travelers to plan ahead and keep track of available rest areas and other restroom facilities.
Idaho Press-Tribune
