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.