Clean Communities Program

Litter Abatement

What is litter?
According to Keep America Beautiful Inc., litter is “misplaced solid waste.” Litter includes paper, cigarette butts, illegal signs, abandoned cars, old tires, furniture, appliances and any other items that are not disposed of properly. The state of Georgia spends approximately $17 million annually to clean up roadside trash and litter. Litter detracts from the county's beauty, decreases property values and, over time, could affect economic development. 

Why do people litter?
According to Keep America Beautiful Inc., people litter for one of three reasons: 

• Where litter has already accumulated
• Where someone else will clean up after them
• Where they feel no sense of ownership for the property

Where does litter come from? 

• Motorists 
• Pedestrians 
• Uncovered vehicles 
• Household trash handling 
• Construction/demolition sites 
• Commercial refuse sources

Litter prevention
KDB plays a key role in preventing littering along county roads, public rights of way, intersections and county-owned properties. The county’s official litter abatement program has a designated team to continually address litter issues countywide. As a certified member of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation and as a Keep America Beautiful Inc. affiliate, KDB is dedicated to improving the look, vitality and economic integrity of DeKalb communities by beautifying surrounding areas through activities such as anti-litter messaging campaigns and continuous litter collection activities. Please call (404) 294-2010 should you need more information on the litter abatement program, or click here to submit a litter collection request.