America the Beautiful: 34% less litter along nation’s streets, waterways since 2020: study
A recent study shows that litter along U.S. streets and waterways has decreased by 34% since 2020. Despite this progress, 35 billion pieces of trash still remain, with cigarette butts being the most common littered item. Experts emphasize the need for continued community efforts to address littering behaviors and maintain clean public spaces.
- ▪Litter along U.S. roads and waterways has dropped 34% since 2020, according to Keep America Beautiful's 2026 National Litter Study.
- ▪Cigarette butts remain the most littered item in America, despite a 62% decrease since 2020.
- ▪Litter from tires and vehicle scraps has increased by 36%, while cardboard litter has risen by 50% since 2020.
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US News America the Beautiful: 34% less litter along nation’s streets, waterways since 2020: study By Sonya Gugliara Published May 16, 2026, 11:06 a.m. ET America is cleaning up its act. Litter along US roads and waterways has dropped 34% since 2020, but 35 billion pieces of trash remain scattered across the country, according to Keep America Beautiful’s 2026 National Litter Study. “The declines show us what’s possible when communities act with urgency and commitment. But our work is far from done,” Keep America Beautiful CEO Jennifer Lawson said. 4 Cigarette butts remain the most littered item in America, according to the study. Helayne Seidman for the NY Post The study found that smokers are still treating the country like their ashtray.
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