Be a Superhero. Put litter in its place.

Did you know that from 2015 to 2022, Maryland has spent more than $60 million to clean up 14 million pounds of litter?

Every day in Maryland, litter is tossed and blown onto our interstates, state, county and city roads. It creates an eyesore for motorists, harms wildlife and their habitats, clogs our waterways, and is a potential hazard for motorists and pedestrians who may be struck by anything from a lit cigarette to a soda bottle. All of us need to do our part to put litter in its place. That’s why MDOT kicked off a new anti-litter campaign: "Be Superhero — Put Litter in Its Place!"

We want to help people of all ages understand the devastating effects litter has on Maryland’s economic development, tourism and quality of life through our educational efforts.

Join us and our anti-litter heroes “Recycle Ruby” and “Can-it Clay” in spreading the word to put litter in its place!

image of our superheroes: Recycle Ruby and Can-it Clay

Did You Know?

Litter Cleanup is Expensive:

Littering costs Maryland $7 million each year to pick up 1.5 million pounds of trash.

Littering Hurts Our Waterways:

Nearly all litter ends up in the ocean — nine billion tons worldwide each year!

Littering is Illegal:

Maryland fines range from $1,500 to $30,000!

Littering Needs to Stop:

Do your part to put litter in its place!

Motorists (52.2%) and pedestrians (17.5%) cause nearly 70% of litter along roads and highways.

The 2020 National Litter Study estimated there are more than 50 billion pieces of litter along US roadways and waterways, which equates to 152 individual items per US resident or more than 2,000 pieces of litter per mile.

Photo of a child coloring in the superhero Recycle Ruby

Fun & Games

Photo of Mr. Trash Wheel in Baltimore's Inner Harbor

Maryland Department of Transportation