Keep America Beautiful Reports 34% Reduction in Litter Since 2020, Yet 35 Billion Pieces Remain
According to the 2026 National Litter Study by Keep America Beautiful, litter along U.S. roads and waterways has decreased by 34% since 2020. Despite this progress, 35 billion pieces of trash still litter the country. Cigarette butts remain the most common littered item, although their numbers have dropped by 62% since 2020. However, litter from tires, tire threads, and vehicle scraps has increased by 36%, and cardboard litter has risen by 50% since 2020. The study emphasizes the importance of continued community efforts to reduce litter, especially as the nation approaches its 250th birthday on July 4. Catie Savage, founder of the NYC-based nonprofit Litter Legion, highlights the need for social and behavioral change to address the litter issue, noting that many New Yorkers remain indifferent to keeping public spaces clean. 
