(Washington, DC) Campaign season is over and elections have been decided. Now the clean up begins. Campaign posters and flyers exposed to the elements, quickly become unsightly litter, which contributes to visual blight and erodes community pride.

District law stipulates that all political campaign posters, displayed for most of the late summer and fall, must be removed from public space within 30 days following the general election. On Friday, December 3, any remaining posters will be in violation of the law and the former candidates risk getting a $35 littering fine for each sign.

“The city shouldn’t have to clean up behind the candidates," said Department of Public Works Director, William O. Howland, Jr. “Individuals running for office in the District were informed when they registered as candidates that they are required to remove their posters within 30 days after the election"

DPW’s SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) inspectors are responsible for issuing most of the Notices of Violation for poster infractions. In fact, most posters are already illegal in the District, especially those signs that advertise or promote goods and services, such as auto repair, cell phone service, quick weight loss schemes and nightclub entertainment.