New Study Shows Litter Declining Across America – Down 34% Since 2020
May 13, 2026 · McCall Vrydaghs
Greatest American Cleanup
America turns 250. Let's have it looking its best
Counting to July 4, 2026
Since July 2024, communities across the country have been cleaning, planting and restoring public spaces ahead of the nation's 250th birthday. Cleanup totals count toward America Gives, the Semiquincentennial Commission's national service initiative.
I Pledge to Join the Greatest American Cleanup
I pledge to join the Greatest American Cleanup to help create a cleaner, greener community. By working together, we can make our neighborhoods more beautiful in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
Take the pledge
Everyone in America Can Get Involved and Be Part of The Greatest Cleanup Event in History
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Choose Your Journey and Be Part of The Movement Today!
Join Us
After you take the pledge, there are more ways to get involved in the Greatest American Cleanup!
When it comes to litter, individual actions make a difference. Become part of the Greatest American Cleanup and learn how you can help make America litter free.
Let’s Do This Together!
We’re seeking groups of all kinds – big, small, young, old, non-profits, government, schools, book clubs and more – across the USA to pledge their support for the Greatest American Cleanup, commit to cleaning up their community, and inspire others to do the same.
Partner With Us!
We’re inviting companies to be part of something big! Join us and we can help you engage your employees, customers, and communities in the Greatest American Cleanup.
Our Latest Stories
The Home Depot Foundation Funds Keep America Beautiful’s RETREET Program to Replant Trees After Disasters
April 24, 2026 · McCall Vrydaghs
Keep America Beautiful Marks Earth Day with Final Push for Greatest American Cleanup for America’s 250th
April 22, 2026 · McCall Vrydaghs
The Greatest American Cleanup is made possible by the support of great companies like these:
American Express Foundation
Dart
Special thanks to the artists that donated their time and talent to our cause:
Photography: Nancy Andrews (opens in a new tab)
Vocalists on Videos: Eric Scott (opens in a new tab) & Patty Reese (opens in a new tab)
Where it stands
What has already been done
47,000
Events
Cleanup and beautification
1.3M
Participants
Engaged nationwide
391,000
Volunteers
Mobilized
16M
Pounds of litter
Collected and removed
27,000
Miles of streets
New York to Sydney and back
40,000
Public spaces
Cleaned
Source: Keep America Beautiful — Greatest American Cleanup totals to date, April 2026 (kab.org)
The lowest bar we could build
No sign-up form, no event to find, no group to join. Text one word and you will get a nudge to pick up litter where you already are — and a separate form lets you add what you collect to the national total.
Text LITTER to 475-500-8569 (opens in a new tab)
By texting LITTER to 475-500-8569 you agree to receive automated promotional and customer support text messages from Keep America Beautiful. Msg. frequency varies. Msg. and data rates may apply. You can opt-out anytime. Reply STOP to cancel, HELP for help. View Privacy & Terms.
The Greatest American Cleanup is showing what can happen when people come together with purpose, pride, and a shared commitment to the places they call home.
Jennifer Lawson — President and CEO, Keep America Beautiful
Pledge your community
A handful of friends, a club, or a whole city — no community is too small. Pledging says yours is ready to clean, recycle, plant and get others started.