Litter Facts

Litter is waste that is out of place. It may be either man-made or natural materials. If outside a proper receptacle, items such as paper, plastic, glass, metal, building materials, discarded food, cigarette and cigar butts and rubber scraps are litter.
Litter provides a breeding place for rodents, insects and disease.
One cubic foot of garbage is capable of generating 75,000 flies.
Trash thrown from motor vehicles can temporarily blind drivers, and may increase the number of crashes. Debris that falls from uncovered trucks is a constant threat to motorists.
Researchers calculate that 55% of all littering is done intentionally by people who drop or discard products.
Food and beverage packaging constitutes 51% of roadside litter.
Litter is a threat to wildlife and plants. Small animals may crawl into bottles and cans and be unable to get out. Plastic six-pack holders attract birds and other animals that may become entangled in them. Littered objects may break delicate plant stalks and stems, and can eventually kill entire plants.
Litter is expensive to pick up. Minnesota spends $5 million a year collecting litter – in addition to what cities and counties spend!
Recycling is an alternative to littering.