Yakima Roadsides to See More Trash as State Cuts Youth Corps Funding

Get ready to see a lot of garbage on the side of roads in the Washington State this year as state officials cut the Ecology Youth Corps program because of a lack of funding.

TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THAT GARBAGE

According to state officials while the youth corps won't be operating, general litter pickup will continue just not as frequently as expected. The youth corps hasn't been funded in years. State crews are having a tough time trying to keep up with the amount of garbage that's ending up on the sides of roads in the state including on I-82 between Yakima and the Tri-cities.

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AN ONGOING PROBLEM

Ecology officials say it's a "never ending battle."
They say 30 percent of the garbage on the sides of state highways is coming from unsecured loads of drivers who have no intention of littering. It's simple state officials say they want drivers to start thinking more about securing and covering loads that could be blown out of a vehicle by the wind.

IF YOU HAUL SOMETHING TIE IT DOWN

In response, adult crews-including local inmates-are already engaged in litter pickup efforts to help lesson the problem. However, state officials are urging drivers to be more responsible by securing and covering loads to prevent trash from escaping.
The funding crisis for the Youth Corps began when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the state, leaving the program without consistent financial support. To address the ongoing challenge, officials are encouraging communities and local groups to participate in the Adopt-a-Highway program, which mobilizes volunteers to help keep highways clean.