It’s that time of year when we begin to enjoy all that Fall has to offer.  A nice walk in the crisp outdoors air, a kaleidoscope of oranges/reds/yellows as the leaves begin making their grand exit from the trees, the decorative carved pumpkins that line each street in anticipation of Halloween, the cool breeze blowing the fast food wrappers around in endless circles and those hideous cigarette butts dotting the roadsides….WHAT???

Yes, that right…unfortunately, we are once again addressing the age-old issue of roadside litter invading our little slices of heaven that we call Camden & Rockport.  It appears to be easier for folks to throw their trash and cigarette butts out alongside the roads and on the sidewalks than to properly dispose of it in one of many trash barrels or cigarette butt receptacles that each town provides.

Members of the Camden and Rockport Police Departments have been made aware of the ongoing issue and have listened to concerns voiced by our townspeople. 

We take these concerns seriously and have placed more emphasis on the enforcement of littering as well as unsecured loads. This will result in the issuance of more summons for these violations”

Littering is a violation of Maine Criminal Code Title 17, which states that a person who disposes of 15 pounds or less, or 27 cubic feet or less, of litter is committing a civil violation.  The fine for this violation is not more than $500 which may be adjudged in a civil court. 

You also get your name and offense published in the Police Beat portion of the local news outlets. Not a great way to be recognized.

Unfortunately, Camden and Rockport police officers cannot be everywhere, so when you see somebody littering, they should (when safe to do so) jot down as much information as they can of the incident and let the police department know about it,” the release said. “Again, report it but be safe in doing so.

“To use a phrase that we all know and love, ‘It’s not rocket science’.  If while traveling in a vehicle and you or a passenger have enjoyed the last morsel from that favorite fast food joint or you have finished that cigarette/cigar, throwing it out the window as you travel thru the beautiful communities of Camden & Rockport is not only illegal… it’s not a neighborly thing to do.

As always, if you have any question on this matter or anything else, please call us at the Camden or Rockport Police Department.  Camden PD 236-7953 or Rockport PD 236-2026.  After all, everyone here likes the feel and sights of Fall WITHOUT the look of litter.