Programs & Impact
Keep America Beautiful works with individuals, communities, states, businesses, and our national leaders to address the challenges of ending litter and littering behavior.
Our Impact
Litter
Think litter is an endless problem? It's NOT. We can end litter and littering. Learn the science behind litter and how we can stop it.
Recycling
Recycling is a fabulous way to live sustainably. Discover how easy steps you can take every day contribute to improving our way of living!
Beautification
Across the country, groups are coming together to make their neighborhoods more beautiful and vibrant. Learn how to get started!
Restoration & Resiliency
When a community is in crisis, restoration and resilience hold they key to rebounding to health. Learn how our programs - and you - help.
The Evidence
National Litter Study
Litter along America’s roadways and waterways is down 34% since 2020, but 35 billion pieces remain — and coastal areas, estimated nationally for the first time, hold 8-13 times more litter per mile than inland environments.
Resource Center
For individuals living a zero-waste lifestyle, teachers looking for educational resources, and companies planning a corporate cleanup day — organized around litter, beautification, recycling, and restoration & resiliency.
Impact Stories
Press releases, the “Do Beautiful Things” podcast, KAB stories and blogs, and affiliate updates.
Our Programs
Great American Cleanup®
What is the Great American Cleanup? It's a nationwide cleaning and greening movement! Volunteer in your community to make a difference!
America Recycles Day®
Join Keep America Beautiful as we commit to recycling better, smarter, and more effectively! Learn how to get involved near you!
Cigarette Litter Prevention Program
Did you know that you can recycle cigarette butts and turn that litter into something positive in your community? Learn how to start!
RETREET®
RETREET® is the only program in the world redefining disaster relief by engaging communities to replant lost trees.
Research & Reports
2026 National Litter Study
The 2026 study updates the 2020 National Litter Study and, for the first time, estimates litter along U.S. coastal areas. Among its findings:
- Litter along U.S. roadways and waterways declined 34% since 2020.
- Every American’s share of litter along roadways and waterways fell from 152 pieces to 96.
- Roadway litter declined 22% (from 23.7 billion to 18.4 billion pieces), while waterway litter fell 45% (from 25.9 billion to 14.2 billion pieces).
- 35 billion pieces of litter remain, and some types are increasing: cardboard litter is up 50% as online shopping reshapes consumer habits.
- Coastal zones contain 8-13 times more litter per mile than inland environments.
- The declines are being driven by education that shapes behavior, strong local programs and enforcement, better infrastructure and access to waste systems, and increased public engagement.