Littering is the disposal of small pieces of trash, called litter, anywhere they do not belong. Common litter materials include cardboard, plastic, and paper packaging; napkins and tissues; cigarette butts; and glass and plastic bottles. Many areas have laws against littering, which is usually punishable by a fine. Such laws are not often aggressively enforced.
Littering harms the environment . For example, cigarette butts take more than a decade to break down. During this process, such toxins as lead and arsenic can leach (dissolve) into the soil. Marine animals may die from eating or becoming trapped in litter. Litter can clog gutters and block waterways. Accumulations of flammable litter can create a fire hazard.
Littering can be either conscious or unconscious. An example of conscious littering is the deliberate throwing of fast-food wrappers out of a car window. A person may litter unconsciously by not securing garbage bags in such a way as to keep trash in the bin.
There are several things people can do to prevent or clean up litter. People can put trash where it belongs, secure garbage bags and bins, and take part in community cleanup programs. Communities may work to reduce litter by making available public trash and recycling bins. Many organizations work to fight litter by educating the public and organizing cleanup campaigns.
