Field Experiments in Litter Control

Conducted field experiments in 3 cities to measure the effects of litter cans on the rate of littering. The measure of litter, a litter count, was based on size and type of litter. Experiments in St. Louis and Richmond indicated that litter cans reduced littering by about 15% along city streets and by nearly 30% along highways. The major study, in Philadelphia, involved 4 observers of 272 persons (91 of whom littered). In order of the magnitude of their effect on littering it was found that: (a) The presence of litter cans reduced littering. (b) There was less littering in clean than in dirty areas. (c) Individuals 19 yrs old and older litter less than those 18 yrs old and younger. (d) Whites litter less than blacks. It is concluded that by identifying the characteristics of those who litter, more effective antilitter campaigns can be designed; and that by identifying environmental variables that control littering, cities can take effective action.