Litter in the U.S. Has Declined Significantly Since 2020
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Litter across America has declined by 34% since 2020, according to a new national study. The drop is attributed to education, local programs, and increased public engagement. While progress is clear, the report notes that 35 billion pieces of litter remain.
Facts First
- Litter across America has declined 34% since 2020, according to Keep America Beautiful (KAB).
- Every American's share of litter along roadways and waterways has fallen from 152 pieces to 96 pieces.
- Roadway litter declined 22% and waterway litter fell 45%.
- Nearly 90% of Americans polled feel personal responsibility to reduce litter.
- Cardboard litter has increased by 50%, attributed to changes in online shopping habits.
What Happened
Keep America Beautiful (KAB) released an update to its 2020 National Litter Study, which it describes as the most extensive research of its kind in U.S. history. The report shows a 34% overall decline in litter since 2020. Roadway litter fell by 22%, from 23.7 billion to 18.4 billion pieces, while waterway litter fell by 45%, from 25.9 billion to 14.2 billion pieces. The study also estimated coastal litter density for the first time, finding coastal zones contain 8-13 times more litter per mile than inland environments.
Why this Matters to You
You are likely to encounter less litter in your daily life, whether driving on highways or visiting local waterways. This improvement suggests community efforts are working, which could lead to cleaner public spaces and a more pleasant environment. The study indicates your personal actions and sense of responsibility are contributing to this positive trend.
What's Next
The report attributes the declines to continued education, local programs, enforcement, and public engagement. This suggests that maintaining and expanding these efforts could lead to further reductions. However, the study also identifies specific challenges, such as a 50% increase in cardboard litter linked to online shopping and a rise in e-cigarette litter following vaping trends.