Results

Keep Virginia Beautiful is part of a network of 700 state and community-based affiliates of Keep America Beautiful®, who recently announced the summary of its 2020 study on litter in America.

The Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study provides a detailed understanding of the quantity, composition, and sources of litter across the United States. The organization’s 2020 study is a follow up to its landmark 2009 study, which builds on a history of science-based litter research started by Keep America Beautiful in 1969.

Key findings include:

• Nearly 50 billion pieces of litter along U.S. roadways and waterways
• Slightly more litter along waterways (25.9B) than roadways (23.7B)
• 152 items for each U.S. resident
• More than 2,000 pieces of litter per mile (both roadway and waterway)
• 90% of people surveyed believe litter is a problem in their state
• 6 billion pieces more than 4 inches in size
• Most littered item remains cigarette butts, although this litter is down almost 70%
• 207.1M PPE items littered

Keep America Beautiful retained Burns & McDonnell, a leading environmental engineering firm, to conduct its 2020 Study, which has four components: Public Attitudes Survey, Visible Litter Survey, Behavioral Observations Survey, and Financial Cost of Litter Survey (ongoing).

Dr. Helen Lowman, Keep America Beautiful President and CEO said, “I am thrilled to continue the history of Keep America Beautiful as the leader in litter research in the United States, and methodology that has now been used around the world.  This data will help inform our programs for years to come addressing both litter on the ground and the act of littering.”

Sponsors of the Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study include dozens of individuals, corporations, industry groups, and foundations highlighting our belief in the strength of bringing everyone to the table. The largest supporters include Altria, American Beverage Association, American Chemistry Council, Dow, Food Packaging Institute, Garver Hilyard Black Foundation, National Association of Convenience Stores, Plastics Industry Association, and Santa Fe Natural Tobacco.

The full summary of the Keep America Beautiful® report is available here.

The good news is that litter IS solvable!  The 54% reduction in roadside litter since 2009 is phenomenal, and the 2009 study shows a 61% reduction since 1969.  We can work together to conquer the litter problem!  Visit our website for ways you can be involved, and take the pledge to put litter and recyclables in their place, reduce-reuse-refuse-recycle, and teach others to do the same!