Press Releases | Survey Reveals Progress in Awareness and Action Against Littering

News Releases

Phoenix (January 16, 2025) – The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has released the results of its 2024 Litter Evaluation Survey, revealing significant strides in public awareness and attitudes toward litter prevention across Maricopa County.
January 16, 2025

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Jeff Sabato, MAG, 602-452-5073

Phoenix (January 16, 2025) — The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) has released the results of its 2024 Litter Evaluation Survey, revealing significant strides in public awareness and attitudes toward litter prevention across Maricopa County. The annual study, now conducted exclusively online, offers valuable insights into local residents’ perceptions, behaviors, and experiences related to littering.

Key Findings:

  • Increased Campaign Awareness: Public awareness of litter prevention campaigns rose to 18 percent, marking the highest level since 2019. The “Don’t Trash Arizona” and “Keep AZ Amazing” slogans continue to resonate, with a 32 percent recall rate among residents.
  • Positive Behavior Changes: One-third of respondents reported that seeing litter prevention advertisements stopped them from littering. Among residents under 55, this impact was even greater, at 40 percent.
  • Reduced Littering in Vehicles: The reported incidence of littering from vehicles decreased significantly, with the percentage of admitted litterers reporting litter accidentally flying out of open windows or doors dropping from 14 to 7 percent.
  • Emotional Response to Litter: Disgust remains the most common reaction to seeing litter (58 percent), followed by frustration (49 percent) and anger (40 percent), reflecting the community’s strong disapproval of littering.

Advancing Methodology:

The 2024 survey, completed by 611 participants, transitioned to a fully online platform to enhance honesty and representation. This approach has provided deeper insights into littering behaviors, enabling MAG to tailor its strategies for maximum impact.

Continued Challenges:

Despite improvements, 69 percent of residents still perceive freeway littering as a “moderate” or “big” problem. The data highlights the need for sustained public engagement, education, and enforcement efforts to achieve long-term change.

Future Goals:

MAG will continue leveraging survey results to refine its litter prevention strategies, focusing on raising awareness and fostering responsible behaviors. Programs like “Don’t Trash Arizona” and partnerships with local organizations are vital to maintaining momentum in the fight against litter.

Quote from MAG:

“We are encouraged by the increased awareness and the positive behavioral changes we’re seeing in addressing roadway litter,” said Mayor of Queen Creek and MAG Transportation Policy Committee Chair Julia Wheatley. “The 2024 survey results reaffirm our commitment to reducing litter and preserving the beauty and safety of Maricopa County’s roadways.”

Don’t Trash Arizona is a litter prevention campaign designed to address the environmental, economic, health, and safety impacts of roadway littering. The program was implemented in 2006 and is funded through Proposition 400. It is conducted in coordination with the Arizona Department of Transportation, which handles litter sweeping and pickup responsibilities. Last year, more than 93,000 bags of litter were picked up from Valley freeways, totaling more than 1.2 million pounds of litter.

For more information on the “Don’t Trash Arizona” campaign and to join the effort, visit www.DontTrashArizona.com.