Washington Launched Statewide Anti-Littering Campaign
Drivers in Washington can now pick up free reusable car litter bags to help reduce the 38 million pounds of trash discarded annually.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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The Washington Department of Ecology has introduced the Simple As That campaign, a new effort to combat the 38 million pounds of litter dropped on roads and public areas each year. The initiative includes partnerships with local car washes to distribute free car litter bags.
Why it matters
State research found that the lack of a designated trash container in vehicles is a leading cause of roadside litter. Reducing this waste helps address the $17 million in annual cleanup costs funded by the state.
Annual cleanup efforts in the state cost roughly $17 million to remove waste including cigarette butts, food wrappers, and glass bottles. This follows a 2025 effort where volunteers and crews collected 2,567 tons of trash.
The players
Washington Department of Ecology
The state agency tasked with environmental protection and managing waste reduction programs.
Kevin
A marmot mascot featured in the department's public awareness videos.
The details
The campaign aims to change driver behavior by providing a practical tool to keep waste out of the environment. Video spots starring a mascot named Kevin the marmot highlight the issue, while car washes facilitate the distribution of reusable bags to keep vehicles tidy. These efforts build on data from 2022 that identified common trash items often discarded from vehicles.
Timeline
2022: Statewide litter study conducted.
2025: Crews and volunteers collected 2,567 tons of trash.
October 1, 2026: Simple As That campaign launched.
October 2026: Car washes begin distributing free litter bags.
Early 2027: New litter study scheduled for completion.
The Home Front
This campaign addresses the recurring financial and environmental burden of roadside waste identified in the 2022 state litter study. It represents a shift toward preventative logistics by targeting the vehicle interior as a site for waste management.
Check with your local car wash this month to see if they are participating in the litter bag distribution program. Keeping a designated bag in your vehicle is a simple way to help keep state roads clean and reduce the need for future cleanup spending.
The takeaway
Small steps inside the family vehicle can significantly impact the 38 million pounds of waste generated statewide. Consider keeping a small, reusable container in your car to ensure wrappers and trash are disposed of properly upon your return home.
Further reading
Learn more about local waste management efforts in Washington Home Cleaning.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXL Newsradio 750.
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