Counting 35 Billion Pieces of Litter, Part 1: Digging into the 2026 National Litter Study
Behind the stats: a revealing look at what’s working—and where urgent action is still needed
In this special episode of Do Beautiful Things, the podcast takes a deeper look at the findings of the 2026 National Litter Study—a major benchmark in tracking litter trends across America. Host Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful welcomes David Scott, PhD, SVP of Data and Research and the lead researcher behind this landmark effort.
Together, they explore what it really means that litter is down by 34% nationwide since 2020—a headline-worthy statistic that reflects meaningful progress while underscoring how much work still lies ahead. David offers an inside look at what it takes to count 35 billion pieces of litter across thousands of miles of roadways, waterways, and, for the first time, coastal areas—from rigorous field research conducted by trained environmental consultants to the careful methods used to ensure reliable, unbiased data.
The conversation also highlights how litter affects everything from local wildlife to community economics—and how the challenge is evolving, with updated per-capita figures and fresh insight into the role each of us can play in creating cleaner communities.
Listen to the full episode for practical takeaways, compelling data, and inspiration to join the movement.
Counting 35 Billion Pieces of Litter, Part 2: What the 2026 National Litter Study Reveals Next
Looking beyond the numbers to the progress, challenges, and solutions ahead
In part two of this two-part episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful (KAB), explores the findings of the 2026 National Litter Study—a comprehensive look at the causes, impacts, and solutions related to litter across the country.
She is joined by David Scott, KAB’s Senior Vice President of Data and Research, who shares data-driven insights on where litter accumulates most—from roadways to often-overlooked coastal and vegetated areas. Together, they examine notable trends, including the dramatic decline in cigarette butt litter, the challenge of tackling “invisible” small litter (which makes up 85% of all litter), and the rise in cardboard, plastic water bottles, and vehicle debris.
Listen to learn why prevention matters, how community action and systemic solutions are making a measurable impact, and what more needs to be done as packaging, consumer habits, and transportation continue to evolve.
Curious about the latest data—and what it means for your community? This episode offers both insight and inspiration to help you be part of the solution.
Join us in creating cleaner, greener, and more beautiful places for all.
About Keep America Beautiful®:
Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Donate and take action at kab.org.