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Small litter, big impact: how trash harms our lakes, rivers, and streams

When people think about threats to clean water, they often imagine industrial pollution or chemical spills. In reality, one of the most widespread and easily preventable sources of water pollution begins right at home with ordinary litter.

Trash on streets, sidewalks, and parking lots doesn’t stay put. When it rains, stormwater carries litter directly into storm drains and from there, straight into local lakes, rivers, and streams. Unlike household wastewater, stormwater is not cleaned or filtered.

Common litter items like plastic wrappers, cigarette butts, food containers, and microplastics break down slowly and release harmful chemicals into the water. These pollutants:

·       Harm fish, birds, and aquatic life

·       Degrade habitat and water clarity

·       Introduce toxins into the food chain

·       Reduce the quality of drinking water sources

·       Increase cleanup costs for cities and watershed districts

Even organic litter like food scraps or yard waste can cause problems. As they decompose, they release excess nutrients that fuel algae blooms and reduce oxygen levels needed by aquatic life.

What residents can do:

Protecting water quality starts with simple, everyday actions:

·       Secure your trash. Keep lids closed and bins upright.

·       Pick up litter when you see it in your neighborhood, parks, or sidewalks.

·       Host a litter clean up! Make sure to properly dispose of what you find. Learn more in the waste sort guide for litter clean ups (PDF).

·       Reduce single-use plastics by choosing reusable bags, bottles, and containers.

·       Dispose of cigarette butts properly. They are the most common litter item found in waterways.

·       Join local cleanup events or organize your own.

Small actions add up. When communities work together to reduce litter, the impact on water quality is immediate and measurable.

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