Press releases detailing the winners' projects will be distributed to newspapers across the state. Many state agencies, including the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the Fish and Game Commission, the Turnpike Commission, the Boat Commission, spend millions of dollars on education and clean up in an effort to combat the litter problem. Litter in the form of broken bottles and flying paper cause thousands of bike and auto accidents annually. Litter reduces property values because its sends a message that the community no longer takes pride in its appearance. Litter is a source of more than 2500 fires annually in urban areas.
Litter provides a breeding ground for disease-carrying rats and other insects.
Litter ingested by pets and wildlife on land and in water threaten their lives. Uncontrolled litter discourages business and tourism.