Keep trash secure in vehicle

It's summertime and that signals the busy moving season. Waste Management of Simi Valley urges movers to "cover your load" when bringing debris to the landfill for disposal.

Each year, more than 40 million people move in the U.S., according to the U.S. Census Bureau. More than half of these people move within the same county, which means they often move themselves with trucks and trailers to a new home.

To prevent litter from accidentally blowing out of trucks and trailers when making a drop-off at the landfill, Waste Management reminds drivers to properly cover and secure trailers and trucks with a tarp.

"It's important that your trailer or truck bed be completely covered with a sturdy tarp and secured with bungee cords or rope," said Michael Smith, vice president and market area general manager for Waste Management. "Besides keeping litter from blowing out of the trailer, the well-secured tarp also keeps items from accidentally falling out."

Waste Management reminds drivers that covering their load is not only the right thing to do, it's the law, according to Smith. The California Vehicle Code, as well as Waste Management, requires vehicles be properly equipped to prevent loose material from escaping by blowing or spilling.

Smith provides the following "Cover Your Load" tips:

Use a tarp big enough to completely cover the trailer or truck bed. A minimum of four inches should overlap the sides, front and back of the load.

Tightly secure the tarp with ropes and/or bungee cords.

A tarp is not required if the debris is completely enclosed by a load-carrying compartment.

Make sure the truck or trailer bed does not have a hole, crack or other opening where debris can escape.

Before leaving the landfill, remove any loose material that may remain in the trailer or truck bed.