Franklin is a beautiful community with tremendous environmental and cultural resources. We have much to be proud of, but like many communities, Franklin has some litter along our streets and waterways. Whether it is intentional or accidental, there are things everyone can do to keep litter out of our streets and drainage areas.

Studies have shown that the most prevalent types of litter include cigarette butts, paper, plastic, vehicle debris, packaging, and beverage containers.

One of the largest factors affecting a person’s decision to litter is the condition of the physical surroundings. Individuals are substantially more likely to litter into dirty or already littered environments than into clean ones. Not surprisingly, littering rates decrease as the convenience of using a proper receptacle increases. Generally, more trash receptacles reduce litter by about 2% annually.

According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), the State spends $15 million on litter pick up every year on state roads and 28 percent of litter in Tennessee is classified as intentional litter, meaning it’s thrown right out of vehicle windows.  The research also discovered that 72 percent of litter in the state is considered negligent litter, which includes vehicle debris and trash flying out of uncovered pickup truck beds.  Signage will soon be available for contractors to post at construction sites as well as educational materials in our Building and Neighborhood Services Department.

Community Reporting and Programs

Please email Stop Litter to report areas with excessive litter along City streets and waterways.

If you observe litter along I-65 or other TDOT owned and maintained roadways, please fill out the TDOT maintenance request form. If you witness a motorist littering along I-65 or while traveling along another TDOT owned and maintained roadway, please report litter to the TDOT litter hotline.

Please also consider participating in the TDOT Adopt-A-Highway Program to maintain clean streets near you. Local organizations like Keep Williamson Beautiful also offer support and resources for clean-up efforts. Keep Williamson Beautiful is the volunteer division of the Williamson County Solid Waste Department and an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Tennessee Beautiful. They host special events throughout the year, provide clean-up kits, have special programs with the local schools, and conduct research.

The Williamson County Sheriff's Office also uses inmates for roadside litter pickups, typically along TDOT roadways. 

 Impact of Litter on Property Values

Research shows that litter decreases property values and affects community perceptions, with significant percentages of homeowners and realtors acknowledging its negative influence.