Littering Law

These actions described below related to the collection of litter and unauthorized signage are in accordance with the Alabama Code Title 13A. Criminal Code Section 13a-7-29- Criminal Littering.

  • Shelby County Littering Memorandum is to Summarize Shelby County Environmental Services current practices of collecting litter and unauthorized signs.
  • The collection of roadside litter in Shelby County is required to protect the public health, safety, environment and quality of life of the citizens of Shelby County.
  • The Shelby County Environmental Department field personnel shall collect all deposited ground litter and signage that is attached to the utility poles, traffic signs, trees, and ground located on the road rights of way or other public property within Shelby County.
  • If ground-based litter or garbage contains personal information such as bank statements, bank card bills, utility bills, or other documents that clearly identifies a person’s name, the document will be placed within an envelope and attached to the daily activity log.
  • All collected litter and unauthorized signs will be collected and transported to the landfill. All signs collected will be stored at the landfill for 14 days. Sign owners may pick up signs at the landfill during regular business hours (M-F 6:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 7:30am-3:30pm).
  • Shelby County Litter Crews operating hours are M-F 7:30am-3:30pm.

Signage Requirements & Restrictions

  • Utility companies (AT&T, Charter Communications and Alabama Power) have advised that they have not granted permission to affix signage to any utility poles. If signage is discovered affixed to utility poles at heights greater than that which allows removal from the ground the local utility company will be provided notice of any such signage and it will be removed by the local utility with their personnel.
  • Signs shall not be attached to traffic signs or street signs. Unauthorized signage or other attachments to such traffic signs can distract the public from the intended purpose of the traffic or street sign and can also obstruct the line of sight for those using or entering the public roadway, which can create a significant safety concern.
  • Unauthorized signs also prevent mowing activities and other roadway maintenance activities.
  • A sign on the right of way announcing that the house or property is for sale when the signage is on or adjacent to the subject property may be permitted if it does not create safety issues or prohibit the performance of the required roadway maintenance activities.

Litter Safety Tips

Remember to wear appropriate gloves when collecting the litter. Thoroughly remove and pick up the attachment devices and litter from the ground. We want to keep our county clear of debris and remove the mowing safety hazards. The completed litter logs must be returned to the Environmental Office. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Report Right of Way litter, signs, and dead animals to eyes@shelbyal.com or call 205-669-3737.