Litter Facts

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.

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