Foodservice Packaging and… Litter Prevention

Litter is a pervasive problem in the United States today. Refuse may be blown out of overflowing trash bins, inexcusably tossed by consumers onto streets and into yards, or illegally dumped into waterways. The role of foodservice packaging in the litter stream is often perceived to be greater than reality. For example, a 2009 study conducted for Keep America Beautiful found that fast food packaging (the greatest component of all foodservice packaging) contributed less than six percent to total litter.

But, less than six percent is still too much. FPI members sponsor, participate in or have established numerous litter reduction and education programs including:

• • Joining and participating in national and state Keep America Beautiful programs;
  • Designing and implementing anti-litter education programs; and
  • Sponsoring independent community programs to prevent and reduce littering.

Littering is unsightly, unpleasant and potentially harmful to public health and animal and marine life. FPI believes everyone must play a role in reducing it.