You Might Think It’s Harmless, But This Roadside Habit Is Illegal in Minnesota

We’ve all done small things without giving them much thought, especially while driving. Some habits feel harmless, maybe even natural. But this is one of those everyday actions most people never question… until someone does.

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You’ve probably heard someone say it before: “It’s just a banana peel, no harm in tossing it out the window, right?” The logic is usually something like, it’s natural, it breaks down quickly, so it’s not really litter.

But is that true in Minnesota?

Let’s clear it up with help from the Minnesota State Patrol.

In a recent “Ask A Trooper” column, Sgt. Troy Christianson responded to a question about tossing fruit peels along highways. The person asking said they were told it was fine because the peels break down. But they disagreed and wanted to know what the law really says.

Sgt. Christianson was clear: it’s not allowed.

“It is illegal to throw items from your vehicle onto streets, roads, and public or private land,” he said.

And Minnesota law backs that up.

Minnesota's Littering Law: What You Should Know

According to Minnesota Statute 169.42, it’s illegal to throw, place, or dump any type of waste, organic or not, on public or private property without permission. That includes cigarette butts, glass, nails, cans, the body of a dead animal (who does that??), and yes, even things like fruit peels and food scraps.

But Food Scraps Break Down, Right?

Sure, that banana peel might decompose faster than a soda can, but it doesn’t disappear instantly. Depending on outdoor conditions, it can take up to two years for peels to fully break down.

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In the meantime, they can attract wildlife to the roadside, create hazards for pedestrians and cyclists, not to mention littering of any kind just makes the area look trashy.

This isn’t a game of Mario Kart; you can’t just toss banana peels out the window and speed off. In real life, there are consequences.

What’s the Penalty for Littering in Minnesota?.

Littering in Minnesota is more than just discouraged, it’s a misdemeanor offense and you could face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail for dumping on public land or in state waters.

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And here's something important: If litter comes out of your car, even if it’s from a passenger, you’re responsible.

Whether it’s a banana peel or a candy wrapper, Minnesota law treats all litter the same. The best rule of thumb to follow is if you wouldn’t throw it in someone’s yard, don’t throw it on the road.