What is the largest cause of litter on state highways?

Cigarettes are recognized as the largest cause of litter on state highways for several reasons. They are commonly discarded by drivers and passengers without thought to where they land. The habit of smoking and the act of tossing out spent cigarettes stems from both convenience and a lack of awareness about the environmental impact. Cigarette butts are small, lightweight, and can easily be swept away by the wind or fall between spaces in vehicles.

This type of litter is not only unsightly but also poses a significant environmental hazard. Cigarette butts are made of cellulose acetate, a form of plastic that does not biodegrade easily and can lead to long-term damage to ecosystems. The frequent presence of discarded cigarette butts along highways highlights the behavioral patterns of some drivers and the need for increased awareness and education on responsible disposal methods.

The other types of litter, such as bottles and cans, papers and wrappers, and fast food containers, while certainly problematic, do not match the extent to which cigarette butts contribute to litter on highways. Different efforts to reduce highway litter may effectively target the specific sources of these items, but tackling cigarette litter requires addressing smoking habits and attitudes toward waste disposal.