Litter is the result of too little attention to how waste is handled -- the careless and casual handling of waste creates litter. Knowing more about the causes of litter and where it comes from is a good place to start in addressing litter prevention. One person, one business, one organization can positively affect the behavior of others in their community.

No matter where litter starts, it moves. From streets and highways to parks and waterways. Wind and weather moves litter around a community, into the gutters, planted gardens, alleyways and parking areas. In one study, researchers found that 18% of all littered items end up in our streams and waterways as pollution.

Why People Litter

Keep America Beautiful has determined that people litter for a variety of reasons. They feel no sense of ownership, even though areas such as parks and beaches are public property. They believe someone else-a park maintenance or highway worker- will pick up after them.  People also litter in places where litter has already accumulated.

Who Is Littering?

There is no such thing as a single "littering type". People of all ages and social backgrounds have been observed littering, ... men and women, children, mature adults and all ages in between are equally likely to litter. Today's litterer can no longer be described as a pick-up truck driving young man -- today's litterer may be you.

Where do people litter?

Research has identified locations where litter accumulates. The locations fall into these categories: special event venues, roadways and highways, high traffic and everyday locations and transition points.

What Can YOU Do?

Participate in one or more of the local and regional clean-up events held each year.  Click here for a list of events.  Join your local litter prevention group.  And learn more about the national battle against litter by visiting Keep America Beautiful's website.  

“Litter-Known” Facts   While there is no such thing as a single littering "type", there ARE seven primary sources of litter:   1) Pedestrians or cyclists who do not use waste receptacles.   2) Motorists who do not use car ashtrays or litterbags.   3) Business dumpsters that are improperly covered.   4) Loading docks and commercial or recreational marinas with inadequate waste receptacles.   5) Construction and demolition sites without tarps and receptacles to contain debris and waste.   6) Trucks with uncovered loads on local roads and highways.   7) Household items scattered before or during a trash or recycling collection.