From the Smoky Mountains to the Tennessee River, our state is known for its breathtaking beauty. But what happens when that beauty is marred by fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, and dumped tires? Tennessee is a source of pride for its residents, but the cost of littering in the state has begun to strain it both financially and environmentally. The annual $35 million cost of litter removal emphasizes the economic burden, while the negative environmental effects threaten the state’s stunning mountain, lake, and river landscapes, harm wildlife, and reduce the quality of natural habitats.

Below are some of the financial and environmental costs of littering in Tennessee. Learn how we can all help curb these costs:

The Hidden Economic Costs:

• Tourism takes a hit: With $24 billion in annual domestic travel spending, Tennessee relies heavily on its scenic appeal. Litter tarnishes that image—and the revenue that comes with it.
• Neighborhood values drop: According to Keep Liberty Beautiful, 55% of realtors say visible litter can reduce property values by 9% or more.
• Business investment suffers: Communities with visible litter are less likely to attract new businesses and development.

One cup tossed from a car window might not seem like much until you multiply it by 88 million.
That’s how many pieces of litter are currently on Tennessee roads, according to the 2022 Statewide Litter Study.

The Environmental Consequences

Litter isn’t just ugly – it’s dangerous. Trash can enter waterways, pollute soil, and harm local wildlife. In fact, the Tennessee River is now considered one of the most plastic-polluted rivers in the world.

Wildlife at Risk:

• Animals can ingest or become entangled in plastic bags, fishing line, and wrappers—leading to injury or death.
• Algae blooms caused by litter pollution can kill entire populations of sport fish, such as largemouth bass.
• Discarded containers collect standing water, turning into mosquito breeding grounds and increasing the spread of diseases like West Nile virus.

And yes, polluted waterways can affect your drinking water.

The Legal Side of Littering

Throwing out trash doesn’t just cost us money—it could cost you in fines, too.

Tennessee Litter Laws:

• Under 5 pounds: $50 fine and possible community service
• 5–10 pounds: Class B misdemeanor with fines up to $500, up to 80 hours of public service, and even jail time
• Repeat or large-scale dumping: Class E felony, up to 6 years in prison, and fines up to $3,000

Littering is a crime, and Tennessee takes it seriously.

What’s Being Done

Thankfully, efforts are underway across the state to fight back—and you can be part of them:

• No Trash November – Held in November, Tennesseans are encouraged to work together to reduce the amount of litter in the state.
• Adopt-A-Highway – Adopt-a-Highway volunteer groups help to maintain stretches of Tennessee roadways.
• The Great American Cleanup: This nationwide initiative also operates in Tennessee, involving various community cleanup events.

Aside from these initiatives, education plays a significant role. Some of the most popular awareness campaigns include the following:

• Nobody Trashes Tennessee –NTT focuses on educating the public about the impact of littering on Tennessee’s natural beauty and wildlife.
• Litter Grant Program – This TDOT-backed initiative provides funding to local governments for litter prevention efforts. It supports education, prevention programs and litter pickup efforts.
• Keep Tennessee Beautiful – This campaign works year-round to educate Tennesseans of all ages about the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.

How You Can Help

Solving the litter problem in Tennessee isn’t just the government’s job—it’s everyone’s.

3 Simple Things You Can Do:

1. Dispose responsibly – Use approved waste and recycling facilities
2. Speak up – Report illegal dumping and help stop it at the source
3. Set the example – Clean up when you can and encourage others to do the same

Even small actions—like carrying a bag in your car for trash—make a difference when we all do our part.

Together, We Can Address the Environmental and Financial Impact of Littering

Litter costs us all—financially, environmentally, and culturally. But it doesn’t have to stay this way. By taking responsibility, supporting community programs, spreading awareness, and making small changes to our daily lives, we can make a significant difference in the environment. Be part of the solution to end littering and help us work together to do our part to keep Tennessee trash-free!

Sources:

• 10 Impacts of Litter: Why Change is Essential
  (TennesseeCLEAN, tennesseecleanact.org)
• Keep Liberty Beautiful
  (keeplibertybeautiful.org)
• Litter Costs Everyone
  (Litter Free Tennessee, litterfreetennessee.org)
• Tennessee State Government
  (tn.gov)