Litter Facts
What is the most commonly littered item?
Cigarette Butts
True or False: Pizza boxes can be recycled.
False! If they are greasy, do not recycle them!
Which country produces the most waste per person?
United States
Name one animal that’s heavily affected by plastic waste.
Sea turtles, seabirds, whales, dolphins, fish, sharks, crabs, octopuses, and seals
Name one thing you can use instead of single-use plastic bags
Reusable Bags
How many years does it take for a plastic bottle to decompose?
450 years
What do the three arrows in the recycling symbol represent?
Reduce, reuse, recycle
What percentage of ocean litter is plastic?
Around 80%
What happens when animals eat plastic waste?
It can block their digestive system and cause death.
How can you participate in reducing litter in your community?
Organizing a cleanup or spreading awareness
How much litter is picked up every year during the Great American Cleanup?
Millions of pounds
What number on plastic items means they’re easily recyclable?
Usually #1 or #2
Which continent is leading in waste recycling rates?
Europe
True or False: Litter can change the temperature of soil and water.
True!
What’s a creative way to reuse glass jars at home?
Use as planters or storage containers
What is the estimated annual cost to clean up litter in the United States?
Over $11.5 billion
Why can’t most black plastic be recycled?
Recycling machines can’t detect it due to its color.
Which country banned plastic bags first, and in what year?
Bangladesh, in 2002
How many marine species are harmed by plastic pollution each year?
Over 800 species
Name two ways composting can reduce household waste.
Reduces landfill waste and creates natural fertilizer
What percentage of litter ends up in waterways?
Around 60%
What happens if you put a non-recyclable item in your recycling bin?
It can contaminate the entire load, sending it to a landfill.
What country generates the least amount of waste per person?
Bhutan in South Asia
What percentage of seabirds are estimated to have plastic in their stomachs?
Around 90%
What is one major benefit of using reusable water bottles instead of single-use ones?
Reduces plastic waste and saves money.