American Beverage Association - Littering Problems & Recycling Q&As: The Beverage Industry's Involvement

Q&As

Beverages & Litter

Do beverage containers contribute to our nation’s litter problems?

Beverage containers typically account for less than nine percent of all litter. Many other products, packages and debris are represented in the remaining 91 percent of the litter problem. Because litter is so complex and has many sources, a comprehensive approach is required to address the problem. However, the beverage industry is doing its part through important initiatives such as the industry’s Recycle It Now program.

How has the industry helped tackle the problem of litter?

The beverage industry's bottles and cans are the most recycled consumer packaging in the United States. In fact, more than half of all beverage containers are recycled. For many years, the beverage industry has been involved in litter prevention and cleanup programs. We have adopted highways, provided resources for beach cleanups, sponsored litter prevention workshops and research and contributed to the success of national clean up days. America’s beverage producers, marketers, bottlers and distributors continue to do their share in communities across the country.

Don’t beverage container deposits help solve the litter problem?

Deposits only affect beverage containers, but ignore the other 90+ percent of litter. Given the expense and complications of implementing a deposit system, it is a very inefficient and ineffective way to control litter.

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Which states have less litter – those with deposit programs or those with comprehensive litter control?

Comprehensive litter control programs are clearly the better solution States with comprehensive control programs in place for more than five years average 40 percent less litter overall than deposit states. And, comprehensive programs prevent and remove litter at a fraction of the cost of a deposit system.