Litter is an issue that affects everyone. More than just an unsightly nuisance, litter can be a dangerous obstruction for drivers, it is harmful to wildlife, and it can pollute the environment and local waterways, affecting our region’s water quality.
Union County is working to address litter in our area, and we need your help!
Litter Enforcement
Under North Carolina's anti-littering law, individuals may be fined and face community service for intentionally and unintentionally littering. While issuing citations for litter poses a number of challenges for law enforcement, it remains enforceable by law. Intentional littering in the amount of 15 pounds or less is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 24 hours of community service. Unintentional littering in the amount of 15 pounds or less is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100 and up to 12 hours of community service.
Reporting Litter
If you see someone littering in Union County, you can reported it to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction for where the littering occurred. You can contact your town's police department or the Union County Sheriff's Office on their non-emergency number to request law enforcement assistance with littering complaints: 704-289-1591.
Most major roadways in Union County are maintained by the N.C. Department of Transportation, which has a robust litter abatement program. Consider using their Swat-a-Litterbug form to report litter incidents to NCDOT directly, Upon receipt of the reported information, NCDOT will mail the registered owner of the vehicle that was reported a notification that informs them about the littering offense, the penalties of littering and urges them to help keep North Carolina clean.
Litter Map
You can also report litter using the map below on this page. County staff will share information gathered through this map with law enforcement at our local municipalities and at the Union County Sheriff's Office to use in their ongoing litter abatement efforts.
If you've recently participated in a clean-up, please let us know by indicating the location on the map. Thank you for helping us keep Union County clean!
Addressing Litter in Union County
Litter is an issue that affects everyone. More than just an unsightly nuisance, litter can be a dangerous obstruction for drivers, it is harmful to wildlife, and it can pollute the environment and local waterways, affecting our region’s water quality.
Union County is working to address litter in our area, and we need your help!
Litter Enforcement
Under North Carolina's anti-littering law, individuals may be fined and face community service for intentionally and unintentionally littering. While issuing citations for litter poses a number of challenges for law enforcement, it remains enforceable by law. Intentional littering in the amount of 15 pounds or less is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 24 hours of community service. Unintentional littering in the amount of 15 pounds or less is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100 and up to 12 hours of community service.
Reporting Litter
If you see someone littering in Union County, you can reported it to the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction for where the littering occurred. You can contact your town's police department or the Union County Sheriff's Office on their non-emergency number to request law enforcement assistance with littering complaints: 704-289-1591.
Most major roadways in Union County are maintained by the N.C. Department of Transportation, which has a robust litter abatement program. Consider using their Swat-a-Litterbug form to report litter incidents to NCDOT directly, Upon receipt of the reported information, NCDOT will mail the registered owner of the vehicle that was reported a notification that informs them about the littering offense, the penalties of littering and urges them to help keep North Carolina clean.
Litter Map
You can also report litter using the map below on this page. County staff will share information gathered through this map with law enforcement at our local municipalities and at the Union County Sheriff's Office to use in their ongoing litter abatement efforts.
If you've recently participated in a clean-up, please let us know by indicating the location on the map. Thank you for helping us keep Union County clean!
