Keep America BeautifulKeep America BeautifulNational Visible Litter SurveyLitter Cost Research Study

2009

Presentation of Results

Steven R. SteinPrincipalPrincipal

Environmental Resources Planning LLC

2009 Litter Survey – Objectives2009 Litter Survey  ObjectivesThree Major Components

1. Estimate the quantity and types of litter along our nations roadways.

2. Estimate the quantity and types of litter along selected non‐roadway sites.y

3. Estimate the direct and indirect costs of litter abatement expended by governmental entities institutionsexpended by governmental entities, institutions, businesses and citizens.

Litter Along All U.S. Roadwaysg y

Estimated 51.2 billion pieces of litter4.6 billion 4 inches or larger (9.0%)46.6 billion smaller than 4 inches (91.0%)

Aggregate Litter by Materialgg g y

Paper Construction

Vehicle Debris, 1.5% Other, 2.5%

Paper, 21.9%Debris, 2.6%

Tobacco Products,

37.7%

Plastic, 19 3%19.3%

Glass, 4.5%Metal, 5.8%

Organic, 4.2%

Sources of LitterSources of Litter

I di id l B h iIndividual Behavior 

Motorists (52%) Motorists (52%) Pedestrians (22.8%) Improperly covered loads (16 4%) Improperly covered loads (16.4%) Improperly secured containers (1.5%) 

Comparing Studies: 1969 vs. 2009Comparing Studies: 1969 vs. 2009 1969 Litter Survey 2009 Litter Survey

• 29 states• Interstate and primary

• 46 states• All roadsInterstate and primary 

roads• Rural roads

All roads representatively sampled

• Accumulated/fresh litter

• 290 samples

• Rural and urban roads• Accumulated litter only• 240 samples• 290 samples

• 20 Categories • 240 samples• 64 Categories 

Litter Reduced 61% Since 1969

Packaging:  46% of Large Litter

Non‐Roadway Sites

Site Types /1,000 Ft2

Transition Points 584

Storm Drains 191Storm Drains 191

Loading Docks 126

Recreational Areas 105

Construction Sites 101Construction Sites 101

Retail Shopping 46

Direct Costs of Litter:  $11.5 Billion$

Entity Type Cost  (million $)

States $363Counties $185Counties $185Cities $797Businesses $9 128Businesses $9,128Educational  $242NGOs $707NGOs $707Total: $11,482

Indirect Costs of LitterIndirect Costs of Litter

Business Development Officials Litter impacts Business Development Officials – Litter impacts decision to locate (36%)

H Li i fl h (93%) Homeowners – Litter influences purchases (93%)

Real Estate Agents – Litter affects value (55%) and decision to show (50%)

Property Appraisers – Litter decreases assessment Property Appraisers  Litter decreases assessment of property values (60%)

Major FindingsMajor Findings

51 2 Billion Pieces of Litter 51.2 Billion Pieces of Litter 61% Less Litter Than 1969 T b P d (38%) Tobacco Products (38%) Packaging: 46% of Large Litter Motorists:  Source of 53% of Litter Direct Cost: $11.5 Billion Indirect Cost: Reduces Property Values

Questions ?Questions ?

Steven R  SteinSteven R. SteinEnvironmental Resources Planning LLC

Litter Projects since 1986Recycling Projects since 1972y g j

Sstein@ERPlanning ComSstein@ERPlanning.Com(202) 236‐1580