CTA Appeals for Driver/Carrier Co-operation on Proper Disposal of
On-Highway Litter and Waste

A number of recent complaints received by the Canadian Trucking Alliance and the provincial trucking associations over the problem of bottles filled with bodily fluid waste being tossed onto the sides of roads and highways, and/or in parking lots has prompted the CTA Board of Directors into calling on the industry to work together to put a stop to this behaviour which it says is inappropriate, unhygienic and harmful to the industry’s image.

CTA and the provincial associations understand that this is an issue the industry would rather not have to talk about. They concede that the shortage of decent rest stop facilities in Canada, soft shoulders which make pulling over difficult and truckers’ own personal safety are legitimate concerns which might be used as a contributing factor in the perceived increase in the problem. Moreover, CTA believes that the problem is not solely caused by truck drivers and that a relatively small number of truck drivers are likely involved.

Nevertheless, the CTA and the provincial associations believe that this is a problem which cannot be rationalised or excused and are calling on:

• All carriers to advise their drivers to always properly and safely dispose of any litter or waste in appropriate receptacles and    facilities.

• All truck drivers to report this and any other forms of littering by anyone – motorist or trucker to local authorities.

• Local authorities to enforce litter laws, regulations and by-laws