BAKER CITY, Ore. -- Litter crews reported collecting between 200 and 300 plastic bottles filled with urine along a 25-mile stretch of Interstate 84, state police said Thursday.

The Oregon Department of Transportation crews contacted Oregon State Police about the drastic increase that they said was worse along a stretch of highway around milepost 350 than along other highways.

"The main portion, about 100 bottles, was found on the eastbound side in a three mile stretch called 'Three Mile Hill' between milepost 356 and 359," said Oregon State Police Sergeant Jason Reese. "This area is prone to this problem because commercial trucks are driving at a slow speed and drivers can urinate into bottles and toss them out the window."

Police said this is not a problem exclusively caused by truck drivers, but drivers contacted as they travel through the area have told troopers that a small portion of drivers will do this.

Reese said commercial truck drivers told him the price of fuel may be causing drivers to travel slower than normal to save fuel while at the same time passing rest areas or truck stops.

The problem, called improperly disposing of human waste, is a misdemeanor and offenders may be arrested, taken to jail and fined up to $250, police said.

Police said all the drivers they talked to unanimously said throwing bottles of urine out of moving vehicle windows is disgusting and not professional.

Related:

Increase Seen In Urine Bottles On I-84

Litter Crews See Increase In Urine Bottles On I-84