Is It Illegal to Throw Trash Out of a Car Window in Colorado?

I was behind a car on Highway 50 in Delta, Colorado, this past week when I saw the backseat window go down, and the small arm of a child drops a half-consumed milkshake down onto the street. The car kept right on going.

Who does this? I tried to convince myself this was some kid who wasn't thinking. Just in case a reminder is necessary, we're going to take a closer look at Colorado's litter law.

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What Does Colorado's Litter Law Say?

Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS) Title 18, Criminal Code 18-4-511 says littering is the act of throwing litter (or milkshakes) on public or private property and also includes the act of leaving litter behind that belongs to you. What exactly is defined as litter? It's trash, waste material, debris, foreign substances, a.k.a. garbage.

What Is the Fine For Littering In Colorado?

Littering is against the law in Colorado and is considered a class 2 petty offense. The punishment goes up the more you are found to be guilty of it.

First Conviction: Mandatory fine of $20, up to $500
Second Conviction: Mandatory fine starting at $50, up to $1000
Third or Subsequent Conviction: Mandatory starting at $100, up to $1000

What Is Illegal Dumping in Colorado?

In a general sense, the only difference between littering and illegal dumping is the quantity of trash that is improperly disposed of on public or private land. Fines for illegal dumping vary from state to state and often start at $1000 or more.

LOOK: It Is Illegal To Throw These Things Away In Colorado

There are 14 items that should never be thrown out with the trash in Colorado. Check out this helpful list of hazardous waste reminders that should never go in the garbage in Colorado. While some of these items can be turned in on local hazardous waste collection days, six items on this list can get you into big trouble if you are caught dumping them at a landfill.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams

MORE: 13 Things That Are Illegal to Do in Colorado

Feel like letting your hair down this weekend in the Centennial State? Have fun! Just be sure to avoid any of these thirteen illegal activities that will get you into trouble in Colorado. Which illegal activity in the gallery below surprises you the most? Open our station app and let us know.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

KEEP GOING: 10 Places You Can Open Carry Legally In Colorado

As long as you are not in Denver, County, you can open carry a firearm in several places in Colorado. Local ordinances and signs must be observed and followed while in several communities, but some of Colorado's most beautiful places allow for open carry as is your right as an American citizen.

Gallery Credit: Wes Adams