Insights from the Study

The data, derived from a survey in March 2025 by the Sanitation Foundation, reveals a complex relationship between New Yorkers and littering. While a significant majority express concern for litter and communal pride, many also admit to improper trash disposal.

Key Findings

• 83% of New Yorkers perceive littering as a significant issue.
• Only 29% claim they have never littered.
• 38% confess they do not always dispose of trash appropriately when in public.

Behavioral Patterns

The survey categorized New Yorkers’ littering behaviors into three groups:

• Chronic litterers (14%) – Rarely dispose of trash properly.
• Occasional litterers (24%) – Dispose of trash most of the time.
• Non-litterers (62%) – Always use available trash bins.

Reasons Behind Littering

The primary reasons residents gave for littering include:

• No nearby trash can (40% of occasional litterers).
• Being in a hurry (37% of occasional and chronic litterers).
• Items being too small to warrant proper disposal (35% of occasional litterers).

Community Perspectives

Despite agreeing on the littering issue, public opinion often diffuses blame across various groups. Respondents identified:

• Teens (37%)
• Dog walkers (26%)
• Tourists (25%)
• Partygoers (24%)

In neighborhoods like The Bronx and Queens, higher rates of chronic littering and perceptions of the issue were reported, while Staten Island and Manhattan showed lower figures.

Strategies for Improvement

The study outlines several strategies aimed at reducing litter:

• Increase the number of public waste bins, particularly in outer boroughs.
• Implement fines and surveillance measures to deter littering.
• Introduce incentives for recycling efforts.
• Launch educational initiatives, such as social media campaigns featuring community leaders.
• Encourage local clean-up events and educational programs in schools.