Charles County Government - La Plata, Maryland

Adopt-A-Road Facts

The Truth Behind Litter

Just a few reasons why...
Litter is an environmental priority:

Reduces the aesthetic appeal of places including streets, parks, and waterway
Can kill aquatic live directly and indirectly through its impact on water quality
Can cause blockages of the drainage system and flooding
Can be dangerous to everyone, including animals
May be a fire hazard

Just one cigarette takes up to 5 years to decompose!



What's the most popular litter?
Fast Food Waste	..............	33%
Paper	..............	29%	How long does it take to decompose?
Aluminum	..............	28%		Styrofoam container	..............	1 Million years
Glass	..............	6%		Plastic jug	..............	1 Million years
Plastic	..............	2%		Aluminum can	..............	200-500 years
Other	..............	2%		Tin can	..............	90 years
				Leather shoe	..............	45 years

It is estimated that the annual cost of roadside
litter control nationwide is $115 million!

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