Litter Reduction: A Review and Integration of the Literature

In: Environment and behavior: eb ; publ. in coop. with the Environmental Design Research Association, Volume 27, Issue 2, p. 153-183

Abstract

Numerous strategies have been employed to examine ways to reduce the litter problem in society. However, the problem continues. Although the research does rot suggest a single "cure-all" method to eliminate littering behavior, many simple, creative, and cost-efficient strategies have proven to be effective. This review examined 40 articles and 59 studies that employed either an antecedent or consequence strategy. Of the 59 studies, 46 used antecedent techniques and 13 used consequence techniques. Both strategies were generally effective in reducing litter. The strengths, limitations, and general results of the techniques were examined. Future research should include more utility analyses, studies of the long-term effects of interventions, and large-scale interventions.