This is the PowerPoint presentation for the results of the 2009 KAB National Litter Study, which researched the amounts and types of litter along roadways and in community areas as well as the direct and indirect costs of litter to the U.S. economy. Steven R. Stein Partner Environmental Resources Planning LLC www.erplanning.com

1. Keep America Beautiful
National Visible Litter Survey
Litter Cost Research Study
2009
Presentation of Results
Steven R. Stein
Principal
Environmental Resources Planning LLC

2. 2009 Litter Survey
2009 Litter Survey – Objectives
Three Major Components
1. Estimate the quantity and types of litter along our
nations roadways.
2. Estimate the quantity and types of litter along selected
y
non‐roadway sites.
3. Estimate the direct and indirect costs of litter abatement
expended by governmental entities institutions
expended by governmental entities, institutions,
businesses and citizens.

3. Litter Along All U.S. Roadways
g y
Estimated 51.2 billion pieces of litter
4.6 billion 4 inches or larger (9.0%)
46.6 billion smaller than 4 inches (91.0%)

4. Aggregate Litter by Material
gg g y
Vehicle
Debris, 1.5% Other, 2.5%
Construction
Paper,
Paper
Debris, 2.6%
21.9%
Tobacco
Products,
37.7%
Plastic,
19.3%
19 3%
Organic, Glass, 4.5%
4.2% Metal, 5.8%

5. Sources of Litter
Sources of Litter
Individual Behavior
I di id l B h i
 Motorists (52%)
Motorists (52%)
 Pedestrians (22.8%)
 Improperly covered loads (16.4%)
Improperly covered loads (16 4%)
 Improperly secured containers (1.5%)

6. Comparing Studies: 1969 vs. 2009
Comparing Studies: 1969 vs. 2009
1969 Litter Survey 2009 Litter Survey
• 29 states • 46 states
Interstate and primary
• Interstate and primary All roads
• All roads
roads representatively
• Rural roads sampled
• Accumulated/fresh • Rural and urban roads
litter • Accumulated litter only
• 290 samples
290 samples • 240 samples
240 samples
• 20 Categories • 64 Categories

7. Litter Reduced 61% Since 1969

8. Packaging: 46% of Large Litter

9. Non‐Roadway Sites
Site Types /1,000 Ft2
Transition Points 584
Storm Drains
Storm Drains 191
Loading Docks 126
Recreational Areas 105
Construction Sites
Construction Sites 101
Retail Shopping 46

10. Direct Costs of Litter: $11.5 Billion
$
Entity Type Cost (million $)
States $363
Counties $185
Cities $797
Businesses $9,128
$9 128
Educational $242
NGOs $707
Total: $11,482

11. Indirect Costs of Litter
Indirect Costs of Litter
 Business Development Officials Litter impacts
Business Development Officials – Litter impacts
decision to locate (36%)
Homeowners – Li
H Litter influences purchases (93%)
i fl h (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%)

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

13. Questions ?
Questions ?
Steven R. Stein
Steven R Stein
Environmental Resources Planning LLC
Litter Projects since 1986
Recycling Projects since 1972
y g j
Sstein@ERPlanning.Com
Sstein@ERPlanning Com
(202) 236‐1580