A person who disposes of litter on the public highway has committed which offense?

When someone disposes of litter on a public highway, they are committing the offense of illegal dumping. This term specifically refers to the act of discarding waste or unwanted items in unauthorized places, such as streets, highways, or other public areas, rather than using designated disposal methods like trash bins or waste management services. Illegal dumping is not only a violation of environmental regulations but also poses health risks and can lead to accidents or aesthetic issues in the community.

The other options, while related to misuse of public spaces or environmental concern, do not accurately describe the act of disposing of litter. Public urination pertains specifically to a different offense involving human waste. Vandalism generally involves the destruction or defacement of property—liably not applicable in this scenario, where the focus is on littering rather than damaging property. Environmental negligence refers to a failure to uphold standards protecting the environment, a concept broader than the specific act of littering. Therefore, identifying the offense as illegal dumping accurately captures the nature of the action taken by the individual.