Under what circumstances is an offense under Subsection (a-1) considered a misdemeanor?

In the context of littering offenses as outlined in Subsection (a-1), the correct answer pertains to weight thresholds that determine the classification of the offense. When the litter weighs less than 500 pounds, it is categorized as a misdemeanor. This classification reflects the legal understanding that smaller quantities of litter, while still unlawful, may be viewed as less harmful or serious in nature compared to larger amounts, thus meriting a less severe legal consequence.

In contrast, the other options suggest specific situations regarding the weight or location of the litter that do not align with the statutory definitions for misdemeanor classifications. For example, different weight thresholds or the nature of the property on which the litter is discarded (private versus public) do not influence the misdemeanor designation in the same way the specific weight of less than 500 pounds does. The law clearly delineates that it is this particular weight limit that establishes the misdemeanor status under those circumstances.