As an expert on environmental laws and regulations, I have seen firsthand the impact of littering on communities. St. Leonard, Maryland may be a small town, but it has its own set of laws that must be followed by its residents and visitors. One of the most important laws that is often overlooked is the littering law.
The Importance of Littering Laws
While littering may seem like a minor offense, it can have serious consequences on the environment and the community as a whole.Not only does it make the town look dirty and unappealing, but it can also harm wildlife and pollute water sources. In addition, littering can also lead to health hazards and increase the risk of fires. That's why the state of Maryland has strict laws in place to prevent littering and to hold those who violate these laws accountable for their actions. In this article, we will take a closer look at the penalties for littering in St. Leonard, Maryland.
The Litter Control Law
The main law that governs littering in St.Leonard, Maryland is the Litter Control Law, which falls under Title 9 of the Environment Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. This law defines litter as any discarded or abandoned material that is not intended for disposal at that location. Under this law, it is illegal to throw or deposit litter on any public or private property without the owner's consent. This includes streets, sidewalks, parks, beaches, and waterways. It also prohibits dumping or disposing of any waste material on public or private property without proper authorization.
Possible Penalties for Littering
The penalties for littering in St.Leonard, Maryland vary depending on the severity of the offense and the number of previous violations. The first offense for littering is considered a civil offense and carries a fine of up to $500. However, if the offender is under the age of 18, the fine may be waived if they complete a litter cleanup program. A second offense within 18 months of the first offense is considered a criminal misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 30 days. A third or subsequent offense within 18 months of the first offense is also considered a criminal misdemeanor and carries a fine of up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to one year. In addition to these penalties, the court may also order the offender to perform community service, attend an educational program on litter control, or participate in a litter cleanup program.
Other Consequences of Littering
Aside from the legal penalties, there are other consequences that come with littering in St.Leonard, Maryland. For one, littering can result in damage to property or harm to individuals, which can lead to civil lawsuits. It can also result in negative publicity for the offender and their business or organization. Moreover, littering can also have an impact on one's reputation and credibility within the community. In a small town like St.
Leonard, word travels fast and people are more likely to remember someone who has been caught littering than someone who has been actively involved in keeping the town clean.
Reporting Littering Offenses
If you witness someone littering in St. Leonard, Maryland, it is important to report it to the proper authorities. You can call the Calvert County Sheriff's Office at (410) 535-2800 or the Calvert County Department of Public Safety at (410) 535-1600. You can also report it online through the Calvert County Government website. When reporting a littering offense, be sure to provide as much information as possible, such as the date, time, location, and description of the offender and their vehicle.This will help the authorities in their investigation and increase the chances of catching the offender.
