SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The 2026 National Litter Study from Keep America Beautiful revealed that there are now 34 percent less litter along the country’s roadways and in its waterways than in 2020, although individuals are now responsible for littering about 96 items on average per person, down from 152 items, and there are 35 billion pieces of litter still littering America.

This largest study of littering ever undertaken in America was conducted thanks to improved public awareness, better trash and recycling infrastructure, local enforcement programs, and greater community involvement. Roadway litter is down 22% to 18.4 billion, while waterways litter is down 45% to 14.2 billion.

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According to Jennifer Lawson, Keep America Beautiful President and CEO, the results are a testament to what can be achieved with a committed community, but added that they indicate that ongoing attention will be needed for new challenges that emerge.

The report noted some interesting changes: Litter consisting of cardboard boxes increased by 50 percent, which researchers attribute to the increase in e-commerce, and the number of discarded plastic water bottles Litter is up by 20 percent, while discarded PPE is down 76 percent compared to prior years.

The survey, for the first time, measured litter density along coastal regions and found that coastal areas have 8-13 times the density of litter per mile as other areas.

The results also align well with the campaign for Keep America Beautiful’s, “Greatest American Cleanup” set to be released in anticipation of America’s 250 th birthday celebration in July 2026.