When you talk about litter, you have to address the problem in many ways because people litter in many ways.

One place that people litter is in parking lots. The State of Louisiana realized this problem and passed the following laws:

RS 30:2535 Litter receptacles, placement and use, logo, penalties.

Any owner or person in control of any property which is held out to the public as a place for parking consisting of 15 or more parking spaces shall be responsible for the procurement, placement and maintenance of litter receptacles.

Litter receptacles means a container of not less than 15 gallons, appropriately marked, and placed for use as a temporary depository for litter.

A litter receptacle shall be required at any parking lot that has 30 or more parking spaces.

Whoever violates the provisions of this section shall upon first conviction be fined not less than $250 or not more than $500.

I am sure on some occasions you have seen people throw out litter in a parking lot. This is against state law.

If you have any questions about litter or want to report a violation, please contact Lt. Wayne Norwood with the St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-652-7058.

Wayne Norwood is a lieutenant with the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s Department and owner and operator of the Louisiana Treasures Museum.