x
Breaking News
More () »

Trail of Trash on I-380

MONROE COUNTY — Beer bottles, diapers and tires — just some of the things tossed along Interstate 380 in the Poconos. There’s trash just about...
mon trash

MONROE COUNTY — Beer bottles, diapers and tires — just some of the things tossed along Interstate 380 in the Poconos. There’s trash just about everywhere you look.

PennDOT tells us this time of year, trash from winter months seem to crop up along the side of the highway.

Trash is in full bloom this spring on Interstate 380 in the Poconos.

The typically scenic drive now includes big screen TVs tossed on the side of the highway, diapers, and trash everywhere you look.

“It’s a shame with the tourism and the beauty of Monroe County that we do have to see this regularly,” said Capt. Jacqueline Bagu, Waste Authority Police Department.

A little farther south to mile marker 6, you’ll find beer cans, foam padding,   and car parts.

Near the Mount Pocono exit, PennDOT barrels litter the side of the road, and the I-80 interstate sign is toppled over, too.

PennDOT crews are responsible for picking up the litter.

Inmates from the Monroe County Prison also work to clean parts of the interstates but PennDOT encourages volunteers to help, too.

“PennDOT should do it, why should you have somebody go out there volunteer, take a chance on getting hit with a car or truck, and you’re not paying them,” said Harry Klemmer of Pocono Lake.

We found a mattress right off the side of the highway northbound near Tobyhanna, and that’s not the worst of it.

Just before the I-380 north Tobyhanna exit , two black trash bags marked ‘danger asbestos!’

“I don’t think anything will surprise me now,” said Vito Sampogne of Waverly. “I’ve seen some tires, some chairs, some couches.”

Municipal waste officers say this mess is likely a combination of careless drivers and trash haulers passing through.

“We do have quite the influx of trucks, like I said, going to and from the landfills that, of course, don’t secure the loads properly and you’ll get debris,” said Bagu.

PennDOT and the Municipal Waste Authority encourage anyone who witnesses trash or debris being left on the side of the highway to call 800-FIX-ROAD to report the issue.

Before You Leave, Check This Out