For example, it flies out of truckbeds or blows away from trash set at the curb for pickup. Many types of roadside trash take years, if not hundreds of years, to disintegrate. While a piece of rope or a wool sock will biodegrade after about a year, plastic six-pack rings may stay around for 450 years. Litter detracts from our state's beauty, decreases property values and, over time, could affect Georgia's multi-billion dollar tourism industry. Hear former Keep Georgia Beautiful spokesperson LeRoy Powell talk about what makes him grouchy 30 sec.
Litter is misplaced, improperly handled waste.
In a three-year research project, Keep America Beautiful, Inc. found that people litter for one of three reasons. Although motorists and pedestrians are most often blamed for litter, Keep America Beautiful, Inc. identified seven sources that contribute to the problem. Uncovered vehicles Loading docks Motorists Pedestrians From these sources, litter is carried in every direction by wind, water, and traffic. It moves until trapped by a curb, wall, fence, a row of trees, a building, or other stationary object. Once trapped, litter becomes not only an eyesore, but an invitation for people to add more.