We’ve all heard the most common Tennessee tall tales: Elvis sightings at truck stops and whispers of Bigfoot in the Smokies (though let’s be honest, that might’ve just been Trashquatch). But the most damaging myths aren’t hiding in the woods; they’re scattered along our roadsides.
Some of us have unknowingly shared the myths about litter. You know, those casual little misconceptions about litter that get passed off as fact? But here’s the truth: These myths are costing Tennesseans millions of dollars, endangering wildlife, and leaving a mess that could outlast us all.
Let’s bust these myths wide open.
1. “It’s just one piece. It’s no big deal.”
The Truth: That “one piece” adds up fast.
Tennessee has an estimated 88 million pieces of litter on its roads at any given time. Every bottle, wrapper, or cigarette butt matters because no one sets out to create a trash-covered highway. It happens one careless moment at a time.
2. “Someone else will pick it up.”
The Truth: Litter cleanup costs Tennessee taxpayers $35 million each year.
That “someone else” is actually all of us. Whether it’s through tax dollars, volunteer time, or lost tourism, everyone pays for litter, even if you didn’t drop it. Let’s prevent the mess before it starts.
3. “It flew out of my truck. It wasn’t my fault.”
The Truth: If it blew out of your vehicle, it’s your responsibility.
Unsecured loads are one of the top sources of litter on Tennessee roadways. Clean out your truck bed and secure your load every single time.
4. “Litter disappears eventually.”
The Truth: Some of it sticks around longer than you will.
A plastic bottle can take 450 years to break down. Aluminum cans? Up to 200 years. Cigarette butts leach toxins into soil and water for up to 10 years. Litter doesn’t vanish. It lingers. It’s polluting the land where your grandkids will grow up.
5. “You can’t fix a problem this big.”
The Truth: Actually, we’ve already made a considerable dent.
Progress is possible, and you’re part of it. Thanks to education, awareness, and enforcement, roadside litter in Tennessee has dropped 12 percent since 2016. It’s proof that every choice matters. Every secured load, every piece of picked-up trash, every volunteer cleanup–it all adds up.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Believe the Myths. Believe the Impact.
Littering doesn’t begin with bad people; it stems from misconceptions. When we replace myths about litter with facts, habits start to change. Awareness leads to responsibility. Responsibility leads to impact.
So, don’t just hold onto what you’ve learned. Pass it on. Because when enough of us care, we can help foster a community that values cleanliness.
Sources:
