Why is litter such a problem?
Why do people litter?
Research by Keep America Beautiful, Inc. found that people litter because:
- The feel no sense of ownership, even though their taxes pay for the upkeep of roads, parks and beaches.
- They believe it is someone else's job to pick up after them.
- Litter has already accumulated.
Litterbug Facts
Although motorists and pedestrians are often blamed for littering along roadsides, there are actually seven primary sourse:
- Household trash handling and its placement at the curb for collection
- Dumpsters used by businesses
- Loading docks
- Construction and demolition loads
- Trucks with uncovered loads
- Pedestrians
- Motorists
Litter is blown away by wind and traffic or carried by water. It moves until trapped by a curb, building or fence. Once litter has accumulated, it invites people to add more.
Life Span of Trash
Copyright San Francisco recycling program
Litter and Your Taxes
Litter is a costly problem. Transportation departments spend millions of tax dollars and many hours each year picking up litter. This time and money could be spent to improve Indiana's roadways or rest areas if people would take the time to throw their trash in a designated bin.
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