The Surprising Penalty for Littering a Banana Peel in Maine

Alright my little Mario Kart warriors, we've all thrown a banana peel somewhere at one point or another but here's why you shouldn't throw one out your car window.

This is going to sound silly, but I bet you never thought twice about throwing that banana peel out your car window while you're driving because you were taught as a kid that it's biodegradable.

Define biodegradable

If it's one thing I took away from science class, it's that biodegradable means anything that will break down naturally in the environment, and quickly (like a banana peel).

I've always heard the word biodegradable but I wonder how many of us actually know what that means.

What makes something biodegradable?

According to naturespath, anything that is plant-based, animal-based or natural mineral-based product is usually biodegradable. Anything biodegradable will break down quickly and safely into mostly harmless compounds.

Is throwing a banana peel out your window in Maine illegal?

Yes. According to legislature.maine.gov, throwing a banana peel out the window in Maine is considered littering and is therefore illegal.

Here's the punishment for littering in Maine

Legislature.maine.gov explains, the punishment for littering is a fine ranging from $100 to $500 for a first offense.

"If the litter is 15 pounds or less or 27 cubic feet or less, with subsequent offenses resulting in a higher fine between $200 and $500".
"For larger amounts of litter, additional penalties like community service may be imposed, and repeat offenders could face even harsher fines and potential license suspension".

Maine law prohibits disposing of litter from a vehicle, and a banana peel would be classified as litter even though it is considered "natural".

Click here for more details of Maine laws for your own research because transparently speaking..I'm not a lawyer.

Also Read: 3 Things I Learned the Hard Way Never to Leave in a Freezing Car

From everything I've researched I feel confident that throwing your peels out the window is absolutely against the law, but this is my disclaimer incase you know otherwise.

We're not in Mario Kart guys. Wait until you reach your destination to throw the dang peel out. Here's some more weird Maine laws: