Data
Littering in the US is a widespread issue, resulting in environmental harm, unsightly landscapes, and increased cleanup costs, negatively impacting communities and ecosystems. It harms everyone and over 90% of Americans believe that littering is a serious problem.
This study shows how much litter is scattered throughout America as of 2020
25.9 billion pieces of trash along waterways
23.7 billion pieces of trash along roadways
Two times more likely to have non recyclable bottles,
207 million pieces of personal protective equipment littered
Only 17.7 of materials used in the US can be properly broken down and discarded
Littering significantly impacts people's lives, imposing economic burdens, health, and safety risks, and degrading the environment. Annually, it costs the United States an estimated $11.5 billion for litter cleanup, diverting resources from other community needs. Safety concerns arise as litter can lead to injuries from falls, and unsanitary conditions can contribute to disease transmission. The environment suffers as litter harms ecosystems, wildlife, and water quality. Moreover, the aesthetic degradation of public spaces negatively influences the quality of life, community pride, and overall well-being of residents and visitors. Addressing litter is essential to mitigate these multifaceted impacts on individuals and society.
On average, there are 152 pieces of litter for every U.S. resident
The average American produces trash at a rate of 4.4 pounds per person per day,Â
Roughly 1.51 pounds recycled per person per day
The presence of litter in your neighborhood or community lowers property values by 7%