From Highways to Coastlines: New Research Uncovers the True Scope of Litter in America

Listen to this podcast episode exploring the methodology, data collection, and key insights behind the Keep America Beautiful 2026 National Litter Study.

Groundbreaking data informs strategies to reduce waste and inspires action for a cleaner, healthier nation

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, host Jenny Lawson, President and CEO at Keep America Beautiful, turns the spotlight to the most ambitious litter research ever undertaken in the U.S.—the 2026 Keep America Beautiful National Litter Study.

Special guest Veronica Roof, who leads HDR (opens in a new tab)’s national solid waste planning practice, offers an insightful look at the methodology, data collection, and evolution of this groundbreaking research. Drawing from nearly two decades of experience and leadership on all three national litter studies since 2009, Veronica shares how the study has transformed from clipboards and tally sheets to cutting-edge mobile apps, nationwide field teams, and detailed data analysis.

The episode uncovers surprising findings, including new insights from coastal litter research and the challenges of measuring, categorizing, and ultimately reducing the more than 35 billion pieces of litter still on America’s roads, waterways, and coastlines. Discover how the data is shaping everything from local litter prevention programs to national policy, and how innovations like AI are powering the next era of environmental stewardship.

Whether you’re passionate about clean communities, fascinated by research, or simply want to know how you can be part of the solution, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical takeaways.

Listen in to dive deeper into the National Litter Study and get involved in making your community a cleaner, healthier place for all.

About Keep America Beautiful

Keep America Beautiful® is the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization. For more than 70 years, Keep America Beautiful has worked to inspire and educate people to take action every day to improve and beautify their communities. Through its national network of affiliates and partners, Keep America Beautiful supports litter prevention, recycling, beautification and community greening efforts across the country. More information can be found at www.kab.org. Join us on Facebook (opens in a new tab), Instagram (opens in a new tab), X (opens in a new tab), LinkedIn (opens in a new tab), and YouTube (opens in a new tab). Donate and take action at kab.org.