News Summary
Jacksonville is facing significant litter problems, particularly along the Buckman Bridge. Residents express frustration over unaddressed trash build-up, while Mayor Deegan implements initiatives like the ‘Keep Jax Cute — Don’t Pollute’ campaign. Despite proposed funding for clean-up efforts, budget cuts have hindered initiatives. The Florida Department of Transportation oversees state road maintenance, and community participation is encouraged through programs like the Jax Litter League. With ongoing discussions about solutions, residents rally together to tackle the litter crisis impacting the city’s economy and tourism.
Jacksonville is grappling with ongoing litter issues as trash accumulates along major roadways, particularly on the Buckman Bridge. The situation has stirred considerable frustration among residents, including local reader Tracie E., who criticized Mayor Donna Deegan’s efforts to address the persistent problem that has reportedly not improved in two years.
While the city has initiatives aimed at combating litter, the responsibility for maintenance of highways and bridges that traverse the St. Johns River lies with the state. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) oversees cleaning efforts on major roadways, including Interstate 95 and Interstate 10, while the Jacksonville city government focuses on maintaining other local streets through street sweepers and dedicated cleanup crews.
To raise awareness and address the litter issue, Mayor Deegan announced a campaign titled “Keep Jax Cute — Don’t Pollute” in July 2025. To bolster local efforts, an additional $1 million was proposed for the city’s 2025-2026 budget specifically allocated for blight and litter cleanup. However, this funding was removed by the City Council’s Finance Committee, raising concerns among city officials hoping for restoration during an upcoming City Council meeting about the final budget.
The FDOT maintains litter cleanup on state roads and bridges through cycles lasting six to eight weeks, while their Road Rangers team acts swiftly to remove litter that poses safety hazards on highways. In an effort to engage residents, the FDOT and the city have partnered to launch the Jax Litter League, a program designed to foster community participation in clean-up activities through competitive team challenges. The inaugural Litter League competition was won by Operation G.L.A.D.D. Dads, a team that collected over 50 bags of trash, earning rewards such as pitching opportunities at a Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game and a private suite experience during a game.
The extent of Jacksonville’s litter problem is significant, with the city collecting 39% more trash than Broward County in 2023. Notably, by March 2025, local authorities had removed 237 tons of litter from interstates—an amount equivalent to approximately 28 school buses. The persistent littering affects not only the city’s aesthetic appeal but also its economy and tourism, ultimately costing taxpayers. To combat this, the FDOT encourages volunteers to participate in the Adopt-A-Highway program, which requires maintaining two-mile segments of road for two years.
Discussions regarding the litter problem led City Council members to convene a meeting aimed at exploring potential solutions. Various methods, including the installation of cameras to deter illegal dumping, were proposed. City officials acknowledged that changing public attitudes toward littering presents a challenge, with some referencing mental health issues as contributing factors. Councilwoman Katrina Brown suggested employing inmate work crews for cleanup initiatives, while Councilman John Crescimbeni proposed the notion of requiring litterers to wear vests as a deterrent.
During these discussions, it became apparent that Jacksonville, a city with over 800,000 residents, lacks adequate cleanup crews to effectively address the litter issue. Former Blight Director Denise Lee highlighted that contract obligations for mowing crews often do not include trash pickup. In response to the ongoing challenge, residents have organized community cleanups and events to promote litter reduction and maintain local public spaces.
Furthermore, an evident lack of trash receptacles along new pathways exacerbates the littering concern. In recognition of this issue, the FDOT is currently working to install trash cans at the entrances to newly developed shared-use paths, encouraging proper waste disposal and furthering the city’s efforts to keep Jacksonville clean.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: Cleanup Team G.L.A.D.D. Dads Takes First Place
- Action News Jax: FDOT Asking Volunteers for Road Cleanup
- Jacksonville.com: Keeping Fuller Warren Path Free of Litter
- Action News Jax: How We Can Keep Florida’s Roads Clean
- Wikipedia: Litter
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
