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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Litter Control Programs and Regulations

In addition to improving urban aesthetics, litter control programs and regulations can reduce pollutant levels in stormwater runoff if designed correctly.1 Since many urban and suburban areas are largely covered by concrete and other impervious surfaces where water is not absorbed, these areas rely on storm drains to carry runoff into nearby waterways.2 Unfortunately, if garbage and other debris is not disposed of properly, it can end up in storm drains, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans where it is referred to as ‘aquatic trash’.3 This can result in negative environmental, social, and economic impacts by polluting the water and harming aquatic ecosystems. There are a series of best management practices (BMPs) that are used to protect water quality and manage stormwater pollution.4 One example is public education and outreach efforts to prevent or control litter. In additional to educational interventions, there are other ways to reduce litter in communities such as:5

– Developing volunteer programs, such as Adopt-a-Street, where schools, nonprofits, and other community members can pick up trash
– Enforce litter laws through laws, fines, penalties, or incentives
– Introduce a litter tax where the funds can be used to develop educational campaigns

Considering this strategy will help achieve the goal of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Transportation lifecycle phases

This strategy is associated with the following transportation lifecycle phases:

  • Construction
  • End of Life
  • Maintenance
  • Material Selection
  • Operations
  • Policy and Planning
  • Project Development

Who's involved

  • Drainage engineers
  • Law enforcement
  • Local governments
  • Policymakers
  • School boards
  • State governments
In addition to improving urban aesthetics, litter control programs and regulations can reduce pollutant levels in stormwater runoff if designed correctly.1 Since many urban and suburban areas are largely covered by concrete and other impervious surfaces where water is not absorbed, these areas rely on storm drains to carry runoff into nearby waterways.2 Unfortunately, if garbage and other debris is not disposed of properly, it can end up in storm drains, streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans where it is referred to as ‘aquatic trash’.3 This can result in negative environmental, social, and economic impacts by polluting the water and harming aquatic ecosystems.
There are a series of best management practices (BMPs) that are used to protect water quality and manage stormwater pollution.4 One example is public education and outreach efforts to prevent or control litter. In additional to educational interventions, there are other ways to reduce litter in communities such as:5
-Developing volunteer programs, such as Adopt-a-Street, where schools, nonprofits, and other community members can pick up trash
-Enforce litter laws through laws, fines, penalties, or incentives
-Introduce a litter tax where the funds can be used to develop educational campaigns

How it Helps

Studies have demonstrated that educational campaigns alone can reduce litter by up to 50% and discourage littering behavior.5 However, these campaigns should be sustained in order to result in long-term behavioral changes.
Litter control efforts will ultimately prevent runoff from being polluted with debris and protect water quality, aquatic habitats, and human health.

Implementing

Education:

Educational campaigns to discourage littering behavior should be developed through a collaborative effort. School boards, policymakers, and community members should be engaged throughout the entire process to prevent littering across the community. These programs can target children, employees, and the general public, but the content should be appropriately altered for the specific population.

Enforcement:

Anti-littering regulations can be enforced through laws and fines to discourage the behavior. Law enforcement officials can be granted the authority to write citations for violators. Incentive programs can also be developed to encourage community members to report others who do not follow anti-litter ordinances.

Examples

1) Don’t Mess With Texas Campaign

 Don’t Mess With Texas is an anti-littering campaign developed by the Texas Department of Transportation to prevent littering on Texas highways. In addition to its advertising and educational outreach activities, there are other ways for individuals to get involved in the campaign’s efforts.

https://www.dontmesswithtexas.org/

2) Virginia Litter Tax

Virginia is one of seven states who has implemented a litter tax program that requires manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of certain products to pay an additional litter tax. These product categories can include certain food, beverages, cigarettes, containers, motor vehicle parts, and many others. Funds generated from the tax can be used to develop educational campaigns and clean up litter.

https://www.tax.virginia.gov/litter-tax

1. Maestri, B., et al. Managing Pollution from Highway Storm Water Runoff. Transportation Research Record 1166. https://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1988/1166/1166-003.pdf
2. EPA. (2015). Protecting Water Quality from Urban Runoff. https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-10/documents/nps_urban-facts_final.pdf
3. EPA. (2022). Learn About Aquatic Trash. https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/learn-about-aquatic-trash
4. EPA. (2022). National Menu of Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Stormwater. https://www.epa.gov/npdes/national-menu-best-management-practices-bmps-stormwater
5. Clean Virginia Waterways. Litter Prevention. http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/LitterPrevention2.html