C-Tran is enacting a policy to stop passengers from carrying empty cans and bottles on its buses.

The agency says it isn’t targeting people holding an empty container in their hand, or at low-income or homeless people — who presumably redeem the cans and bottles for cash in Oregon. Instead, the new policy is aimed at combating sanitation and safety issues created by passengers carrying large bags full of empties onboard and setting them in the aisle or on seats.

“A lot of passengers view it as an inconvenience. We view it as a possible safety issue and a definite hygienic issue,” said C-Tran spokeswoman Christine Selk. “Everyone’s paying a fare and we need to be respectful of people and their safety. Big bags of cans can leave a mess and possibly create safety situations; and bags can leave big wet spots on seats and people sit in them.”

Plus, the liquid that can drain out of the bags leaves residue and a lingering odor.

The agency’s rules for riding now stipulate “riders may no longer bring empty cans and bottles onto C-Tran buses due to continued sanitation and safety concerns” as of Sunday.