Litter, waste improperly discarded in public or natural environments, is a widespread global challenge. This refuse ranges from small items like food wrappers and cigarette butts to larger discarded materials such as tires and appliances. Its presence is evident across diverse landscapes, from busy city streets and recreational parks to serene beaches and remote wilderness areas. This issue not only detracts from the visual appeal of these spaces but also poses various threats to human health and safety, impacting communities in numerous complex ways.
Immediate Health and Safety Hazards
Litter directly endangers human health through physical injuries and disease transmission. Sharp objects, such as broken glass or improperly discarded needles, can cause cuts and puncture wounds, posing infection risks. Sanitation workers, children, and pets are particularly vulnerable to accidental injuries from these hazards, with discarded sharps capable of transmitting serious infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Litter creates environments conducive to pest proliferation. Discarded food containers and stagnant water provide ideal breeding grounds for insects like mosquitoes and cockroaches, as well as rodents. Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as malaria, Zika, and dengue fever, while rodents are known carriers of pathogens causing salmonellosis, leptospirosis, hantavirus, and rat-bite fever, often spread through their feces or bites.
Litter contributes to fire hazards, particularly in dry conditions. Carelessly discarded flammable items like cigarette butts are a frequent cause of wildfires, and broken glass can act as a lens, concentrating sunlight and igniting dry vegetation.
Economic and Social Consequences
Litter imposes substantial financial burdens on communities. Cleanup efforts cost municipalities and businesses billions of dollars annually. The United States spends over $11.5 billion each year on litter remediation, with businesses contributing a considerable portion of these expenses. Cities like Philadelphia allocate tens of millions annually to address litter and illegal dumping, highlighting the ongoing financial strain.
Litter also diminishes property values, affecting homeowners and the housing market. Neighborhoods with visible litter can experience property value reductions, sometimes by as much as 12%. Surveys indicate that 93% of homeowners perceive a decrease in a home’s value due to a littered environment, influencing purchasing decisions. This visual blight impacts community aesthetics and can contribute to a perception of neglect or reduced safety.
Litter negatively impacts tourism and recreational activities, leading to lost revenue for local economies. Areas marred by trash are less appealing to visitors, discouraging repeat visits and affecting businesses reliant on tourism. Studies on marine litter demonstrate its capacity to significantly reduce tourism income, resulting in potential losses for coastal communities. Beyond financial implications, visible litter can foster an impression of an uncared-for area, potentially deterring new businesses and contributing to an increase in certain types of crime.
Environmental Contamination and Human Health
Litter contributes to environmental contamination, creating pathways for harmful substances to impact human health. Discarded materials, particularly plastics, can leach toxic chemicals into soil and water sources. Chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, found in plastics, have hormonal effects and can contaminate groundwater, a source of drinking water. This contamination can affect plants and crops, indirectly exposing humans who consume them.
As plastics degrade, they break down into microplastics (particles smaller than five millimeters) and nanoparticles. These microscopic plastic fragments are ubiquitous, detected across land, sea, and air, and found within the human body. Humans can ingest microplastics through contaminated seafood, other food products, and drinking water, both bottled and tap. While research is ongoing, studies suggest microplastics can enter the bloodstream, cause inflammation, and may be associated with an increased likelihood of heart attack, stroke, or death.
Air quality is also compromised by litter, particularly through burning and decomposition. Incineration of litter releases toxic gases, including dioxins, furans, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), along with fine particulate matter, into the atmosphere. Inhaling these pollutants can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis, long-term lung damage, and other adverse health outcomes. Even without burning, decomposition of organic litter can release dust and other airborne particles, contributing to air pollution and posing health concerns.