Every day, debris falls from vehicles onto our roadways. Here in Hawaiʻi, everything that lands on our roads can quickly get swept into storm drains, and streams, eventually making its way into the ocean. 

How Much Trash Comes from Vehicles? 

The equivalent of 100 large dump truck loads, over 4,100 cubic yards, of trash and debris ends up on HDOT roadways every year. Unsecured loads are a major source of roadside litter. Items like plastic bags, cardboard, yard trimmings, and even large debris can escape from trucks and trailers. Once loose, these materials create hazards for drivers and contribute to the growing problem of marine debris. Even small items add up. A single bag of trash that files out on the highway can break apart into dozens of pieces, clogging storm drainage systems and polluting miles of roadway and local waterways. 

From Roads to Waterways: 

After waste escapes from a vehicle, rain and runoff do the rest. While some storm drains have systems that catch debris before it gets to the ocean, the majority don’t. When too much trash builds up at storm drain inlets, the runoff has nowhere to go. This causes flooding along our roadways, with the potential to cause major damage to businesses and residential communities.  

Keeping your load secure is one of the simplest ways to stop pollution before it starts. June 6 is Secure Your Load Day, which stands as a reminder that securing your load is about more than avoiding fines. It also helps us to protect people, property, and the environment. Read more about Secure Your Load Day on our blog. 

What You Can Do: 

• Always cover your load with a tarp or net 
• Tie down items securely, including even large or heavy ones 
• Double-check your load before driving off 

A few extra minutes being mindful can prevent accidents, reduce litter, and protect Hawaiʻi’s waters for years to come!