Ore. Fumes Over Urine Jugs on Roads

Fed-up Oregon highway workers trying to put a stop to motorists who toss urine bottles onto the side of the road have gotten help from a state legislative committee.

The House Transportation Committee endorsed a bill that targets truckers who contribute to the mess. Commercial drivers could have their license suspended if convicted of improperly disposing of human waste. Fines of up to $2,500 would be apply to all motorists.

"Every one of those jugs is costing the taxpayers of Oregon money,'' said Bill Coles, a maintenance supervisor for the state’s Department of Transportation, which cleans up the trash.

"What is amazing is you'll find them within a half-mile of a rest area," he said about the discarded jugs. "They won't even stop in a rest area, even to just pour the jug out and throw it away."

Coles blames the growing number of urine-filled bottles on increased competition in the industry that leaves less time for truckers to meet the most basic of human needs.

For the full story, see the May 3 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.