Community Corner

Trashy Behavior Reported on Montgomery Road

Elkridge resident takes action against "equal opportunity litterbug."

For months, Kimberly Shugars has been picking up trash thrown into her Montgomery Road yard.

Daily, she has also grown accustomed to buses pulling up in front of her home before school lets out at nearby Elkridge Elementary and Elkridge Landing Middle schools.

On Feb. 16, she said she witnessed one bus driver open the door and push bags of trash out onto Montgomery Road.

Find out what's happening in Elkridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to Maryland law, littering less than 100 pounds is a misdemenanor subject to a $1,500 fine or up to 30 days of imprisonment.

Shugars took pictures as she witnessed the bus driver push a bag of trash out the front door and another out the back door.

Find out what's happening in Elkridgewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"She's an equal opportunity litterbug," said Shugars. "I was stunned."

Outraged, Shugars called the police. Though they responded, nothing could be done, according to the department.

"There was a small amount of litter noted on the ground; however, the officer could not confirm the source," said Elizabeth Schroen, spokeswoman for Howard County Police Department. "The officer contacted the alleged suspect and determined there was not probable cause to issue a citation."

Shugars said that she also contacted the director of transportation for Howard County schools, who told her the contractor was a "'knucklehead'" who "'would be reprimanded.'"

There is some reassurance for Montgomery Road residents: the street will be cleaned up soon.

All Howard County roads with curbs are swept four times each year to prevent debris from reaching waterways, and according to the county's Department of Highways, Montgomery Road will be swept by professional street sweepers in the next week.

Which Elkridge streets need a good cleanup? Tell us in the comments.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here