Keep America Beautiful 2026 National Litter Study
America Making Progress on Litter
Litter is down 34%, but 35 billion pieces still remain in our parks, waterways, and public spaces. And coastal litter is raising new concerns.
The 2026 Keep America Beautiful National Litter Study provides the most comprehensive picture to date of litter in the United States, and how it is changing over time.
By building on data collected in 2020, the Study offers a rare longitudinal view of trends in litter quantity, composition, and sources across the country. For the first time, the Study also includes a national estimate of litter along U.S. coastal areas, expanding our understanding of litter’s environmental impact.
Why This Study Matters
Litter impacts every community in America. The 2026 National Litter Study helps us understand where progress is being made, where challenges remain, and how communities, businesses, and individuals can take action to create cleaner, greener, and more beautiful places.
Pieces Per Mile
For the first time, the Study includes a national estimate of litter along coastal areas, revealing significantly higher concentrations of litter in some of America’s most environmentally sensitive spaces.
Coastal Areas
Roadways
Waterways
The Good News
From 2020 to 2025, litter along America’s roadways and surface waterways declined by
%
The Challenge Ahead
While litter is down, but the problem is far from solved.
There are still
pieces of litter
across America’s roadways, waterways, and coastal areas.
Hover to See the Impact!
Real progress is happening. Compare 2025 findings with 2020 data to see how litter levels have changed across America’s roadways, waterways, and public spaces.
Litter Per Capita
along roadways and waterways
96
2025
pieces per person
Roadway Litter
in America is down
2,204
2025
items per mile
A 22% reduction!
Surface Waterways Litter
decreased in our rivers, streams, and lakes
1,300
2025
items per mile
A 45% reduction!
Yes, We’re Making Progress.
But America still has a big litter problem.
Download the Study to see what’s working, where the biggest gaps remain, and how your community can take action.
Americans Don’t Like Litter.
Across geography, age, and political affiliation, Americans overwhelmingly agree that litter is a problem in the U.S. and that we all have a role to play in creating cleaner communities.
%
of Americans say litter is a problem.
%
say reducing litter is a personal responsibility.
%
say litter is a problem in their own community.
Litter Trends
Litter tells us a lot about how we live today — what we use, what we throw away, and where better solutions are needed.
Litter Is Down Across Most Categories
The decline in cigarette butt litter outpaced the decrease in smoking.
New Areas of Concern
Some types of litter increased, reflecting changing consumer habits.
Download the 2026 Litter Study
Just fill out the form to get your PDF copy of the Litter Study.
Acknowledgments
The Keep America Beautiful National Litter Study was made possible by the donations and support of many individual Americans and the following organizations who are Keep America Beautiful partners in ending litter:
