NCDOT responds after several complaints about trash piling up in Leland

LELAND, NC (WWAY)– In recent weeks, there has been a significant amount of trash collecting in the drainage ditch that runs parallel to Highway 17, heading west in Leland.

There are numerous plastic bags, glass bottles, and other debris — most likely blown out from passing cars and trucks along the busy stretch of the highway.

Leland resident Janet Duefield says it’s an eyesore.

“We hate the trash here. I come from a very environmentally friendly state of Vermont. We don’t have trash in the road,” said Duefield. “People are much more conscious of taking care of our properties over there. It’s really embarrassing to drive from Leland to Wilmington and see all the trash.”

In a statement sent to WWAY, the NCDOT says:

“Keeping North Carolina’s highways clean and safe is a significant and ongoing effort that NCDOT and Division 3 take very seriously. We have picked up over 198,000 lbs. of trash over the past 12 months in Brunswick County alone. We are actively working on U.S. 17. Our litter contractor started working on U.S. 17 at the state line last week heading north towards Leland before the winter weather. He plans to resume operations later this week after all the snow is gone.

Managing litter across more than 80,000 miles of state-maintained roads is an ongoing challenge statewide. Even after cleanup, new litter can appear quickly, requiring continued effort and public cooperation.

Litter pickup frequency is based on available funding and roadway type. Interstates and primary highways receive the highest priority, with cleanup typically occurring before mowing cycles.

NCDOT supports several litter reduction efforts, including Adopt-A-Highway, Sponsor-A-Highway, Litter Sweep and Swat-A-Litterbug, along with expanded public education initiatives. NCDOT Roadside Environmental Units sponsor 2 litter sweeps every year, Fall and Spring asking volunteers to join NCDOT staff to commit to picking up litter during those 4 weeks each year.

Residents are encouraged to report areas with excessive litter through the NCDOT “Contact Us” page or their local division office. Litter is a shared responsibility, and NCDOT continues to work with communities and partners statewide to keep North Carolina’s roadways clean.”