Phoenix, AZ – Arizona’s record rainfall this week put freeway pump stations to the test, and officials say litter is making the challenge worse.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), while no freeways were closed due to flooding, crews spent long hours clearing pump stations clogged with trash. Michael Culp, who manages ADOT’s fleet of sweepers, said a single cleanup can take a full day even with specialized hydro-vac trucks.
“ If people stopped littering, that price tag wouldn’t be that high,” Culp said in an ADOT release.
Don’t Trash Arizona, a program led by the Maricopa Association of Governments in partnership with ADOT, reported that more than 93,000 bags of litter were collected from Valley freeways in 2023, totaling over 1.2 million pounds. Officials say the debris not only costs taxpayers millions each year but also threatens to block stormwater systems that prevent freeway flooding.
The reminder comes as Phoenix and surrounding areas continue to recover from heavy rains earlier this week. ADOT says litter left on the road can quickly end up in drains, adding risk to drivers and additional work for cleanup crews.
Residents are urged to think twice before tossing cups, wrappers, or bottles from their vehicles, since that debris often ends up costing both time and taxpayer money.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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