SAN DIEGO — Today, Keep America Beautiful® released its new 2026 National Litter Study, revealing that litter across America’s roadways and waterways has declined 34% since 2020, with every American’s share of litter along roadways and waterways falling from 152 pieces to 96. While this progress is real and measurable, 35 billion pieces of litter remain, some types are increasing and litter is still an everyday reality for most Americans. The landmark study provides both a progress report and a roadmap for where urgent action is still needed as the country approaches its 250th birthday.
The study, which updates the groundbreaking Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study, is the most extensive research conducted in U.S. history to estimate the scope, scale, causes and impacts of litter. The findings reveal that declines are being driven by a combination of factors: education that shapes behavior, strong local programs and enforcement, better infrastructure and access to waste systems and increased public engagement from businesses, organizations, governments and individuals. Roadway litter declined 22% (from 23.7 billion to 18.4 billion pieces), while waterway litter fell 45% (from 25.9 billion to 14.2 billion pieces). Millions of Americans stepping up for their communities – including right here in San Diego.
I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) has been a part of this national progress. In 2025, our volunteers collected 248,406 pounds of litter across San Diego County.
“This study feels incredibly hopeful, but it doesn’t mean the work is done,” said Steve Morris, Executive Director of ILACSD. “I urge San Diegans to continue showing up for our environment by preventing and removing litter. Your participation in cleanup efforts make our county a beautiful place to live, work and play.”
“This study proves what we’ve always believed: Americans care deeply about their communities, and when we work together, we can solve big problems,” said Jennifer Lawson, President and CEO of Keep America Beautiful. “The decline in litter is faster than anyone predicted. That’s not luck. That’s focused action. And as we approach America’s 250th birthday, 92% of Americans agree that cleaning and greening our country should be a national priority. The work is far from done – so let’s come together and finish the job.”
Key Findings from the 2026 National Litter Study
- Every American’s share of the litter problem just dropped from 152 pieces to 96 – showing measurable progress at the individual level.
- Overall litter declined 34% along U.S. roadways and waterways.
- Nearly 90% of Americans feel personal responsibility to reduce litter, and 93% agree it’s a shared community responsibility.
- Only 31% of Americans recall seeing litter-prevention messaging, revealing significant untapped potential for education and engagement.
- 92% of Americans agree that cleaning and greening America should be a priority as the country approaches its 250th birthday.
The release of the Keep America Beautiful 2026 National Litter Study comes as Keep America Beautiful continues its Greatest American Cleanup for America’s 250th – an ambitious nationwide movement to remove 25 billion pieces of litter and engage 25,000 communities in advance of the nation’s celebration on July 4, 2026.
The full 2026 National Litter Study is available here. Communities and individuals are encouraged to join the Greatest American Cleanup at www.KeepAmericaBeautiful.org.
Litter Prevention and Mitigation in San Diego
I Love A Clean San Diego works year-round to educate San Diegans on the impact of litter and mobilize them to keep their communities clean.
On May 23, ILACSD will kick off its annual Clean Beach Coalition initiative, a collaboration with local businesses to place and maintain 100 waste and recycling bins along the coast to reduce litter during San Diego’s busiest and most polluted summer holiday weekends. The program puts the extra bins on Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Mission Bay for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day weekends. The organization also hosts beach cleanups after the Fourth of July and Labor Day to collect additional litter.
Last year’s Clean Beach Coalition mitigated 14,200 pounds of litter before reaching the ocean.
About Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful (KAB) is a leading nonprofit devoted to educating and inspiring people to clean, green, and beautify their communities. Since 1953, KAB has grown into a dynamic movement powered by millions of volunteers, nearly 700 local affiliates, and a coast-to-coast network of civic leaders, companies, and local governments. Learn more at kab.org.
About I Love A Clean San Diego
I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) is an environmental nonprofit, supporting San Diego County residents and businesses through education, volunteer events and workshops since 1954. I Love A Clean San Diego’s programs are an environmental catalyst, awakening passion and empowering San Diegans to be leaders in conservation and waste-free living. For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit cleansd.org or call (619) 291-0103.
