Now that winter snows are melting, debris from the back of improperly covered pickup trucks and larger haulers is in full view littering the shoulders of Highway 82 between the Airport Business Center and Solid Waste Center. Pitkin County recently received a flurry of complaints from citizens who have witnessed the source of the litter compelling the County to remind motorists to properly cover loads.
Improperly covered loads are a violation of section 4-1407(24) of the County’s traffic code and subject to a $46 fine. The Solid Waste Center can impose a $150 fine if a pickup or hauler arrives at the Landfill with an improperly covered load.
“We don’t have to do it very often but now and then we’ll see a blatant violation and we are compelled to impose the fine,” said Solid Waste Center Manager, Cathy Hall. “Improperly covered loads are a major contributor to trash along the highway,” Hall said.
While Highway 82 is in the jurisdiction of the Colorado Department of Highways, Pitkin County has adopted the section of highway between Brush Creek Road and Hwy. 82 and just beyond the Cozy Point Ranch. County employees participate in an annual clean up of the highway each Spring.
“We’re stepping up our publicity about the covered loads rule,” said Hall. “We’re hoping that with a few reminders and a little more enforcement folks will comply.”
Contact: Solid Waste Center Manager, Cathy Hall - 429-2882