Litter

Unremoved public litter
Damaging unremoved litter
Recreational litter
Discarded campers garbage
Excessive sportsmen's trash

Nature

Litter refers to waste materials improperly disposed of in public or natural spaces, rather than in designated bins or landfills. It includes items such as plastic bottles, food wrappers, cigarette butts, and other debris. Litter is a significant environmental problem, as it pollutes land and waterways, harms wildlife, and degrades natural beauty. It can also pose health risks to humans and animals, contribute to flooding by blocking drains, and incur substantial cleanup costs for communities. Addressing litter requires public awareness, effective waste management, and enforcement of anti-littering laws.

Incidence

Litter is a pervasive issue affecting urban, rural, and natural environments across the globe. According to the World Bank, over 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste are generated annually, with at least 33% not managed in an environmentally safe manner. Litter accumulation is especially acute in densely populated cities, along coastlines, and in tourist destinations, where inadequate waste management and public awareness exacerbate the problem, leading to significant environmental, economic, and social impacts.
In 2023, the city of Manila, Philippines, experienced severe flooding exacerbated by litter blocking drainage systems. Local authorities reported that plastic waste and other debris accumulated in waterways, impeding water flow and contributing to urban flooding during the rainy season.