Litter

Litter refers to waste products that have been discarded improperly, without consent, at an inappropriate location. Litter can also be used as a verb; to litter means to drop and leave objects, often man-made, such as aluminum cans, cardboard boxes or plastic bottles on the ground, and leave them there indefinitely or for others to dispose of as opposed to disposing of them properly.

Types of Litter

Litter can take many forms, from small items such as cigarette butts or bottle caps, to larger items such as bags, boxes, or other packaging. It can also include hazardous materials such as batteries, chemicals, or electronic waste.

Effects of Litter

Litter has numerous negative effects on the environment and human health. It can lead to soil, water, and air pollution, harm wildlife, and contribute to climate change. Litter can also have economic impacts, as it can decrease property values and require significant resources to clean up.

Prevention and Management

There are many strategies for preventing and managing litter, including public education campaigns, laws and regulations, and providing adequate waste disposal and recycling facilities. Many communities also organize volunteer litter cleanup events.

See Also

• Waste
• Pollution
• Recycling

Litter Resources
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