{"id":108331,"date":"2026-05-13T13:44:03","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T13:44:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/new-study-shows-litter-declining-across-america-down-34-since-2020\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T13:44:03","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T13:44:03","slug":"new-study-shows-litter-declining-across-america-down-34-since-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/new-study-shows-litter-declining-across-america-down-34-since-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"New Study Shows Litter Declining Across America \u2013 Down 34% Since 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Washington, DC, May 13, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Keep America Beautiful (KAB) released its new 2026 National Litter Study<\/a><\/strong>, revealing that litter across America\u2019s roadways and waterways has declined 34% since 2020, with every American\u2019s share of litter along roadways and waterways falling from 152 pieces to 96. While this progress is real and measurable, 35 billion pieces of litter remain, some types are increasing and litter is still an everyday reality for most Americans. The landmark study provides both a progress report and a roadmap for where urgent action is still needed as the country approaches its 250th birthday. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The study, which updates the groundbreaking Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study, is the most extensive research conducted in U.S. history to estimate the scope, scale,\u00a0causes\u00a0and impacts of litter. The findings reveal that declines are being driven by a combination of factors: education that shapes behavior, strong local programs and enforcement, better infrastructure and access to waste systems and increased\u00a0public\u00a0engagement from businesses, organizations,\u00a0governments\u00a0and individuals. Roadway litter declined 22% (from 23.7 billion to 18.4 billion pieces), while waterway litter fell 45% (from 25.9 billion to 14.2 billion pieces).\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThis study proves what we\u2019ve always believed: litter is solvable when people, systems and partners work together,\u201d\u00a0said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful.\u00a0\u201cThe declines show us what\u2019s possible when communities act with urgency and commitment. But our work is far from done. With 35 billion pieces of litter still out there and new types\u00a0emerging, we must scale\u00a0what\u2019s\u00a0working, close the remaining gaps in infrastructure and access and continue building on this momentum.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The study reveals how litter reflects the changing rhythms of American life. Cardboard litter is up 50% as online shopping reshapes consumer habits. PPE litter \u2013 masks and gloves that surged during the pandemic \u2013 is down 76%, while e-cigarette litter has spiked along vaping trends. Overall plastic litter is declining, though plastic water bottle litter rose 20%.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cLitter tells the story of how we live,\u201d\u00a0said David Scott, PhD,\u00a0SVP\u00a0of\u00a0Data and Research\u00a0at Keep America Beautiful.\u00a0\u201cRight now,\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0telling a story of progress \u2013 but\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0also showing us exactly where we need to focus next. Without sustained effort and smarter strategies, these gains could\u00a0be reversed. We must continue to act with urgency, double down on\u00a0what\u2019s\u00a0working and tackle the challenges that\u00a0remain.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The newest\u00a0insight from the study is the density of litter along America\u2019s coastal areas. Coastal litter, estimated nationally for the first time, is dramatically higher compared to roadway and waterway litter. Coastal zones\u00a0contain\u00a08-13 times more litter per mile than inland environments, highlighting the need for a tailored strategy to address this problem.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

Key Findings from the\u00a0Keep America Beautiful\u00a02026 National Litter Study<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n