Colorado's Litter Problem: 180 Million Pieces Annually & Rising

No one counts individual litterers, but Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) quantifies the mess: ~180 million pieces collected from state highways yearly—~500 pieces per mile. Cleanup costs taxpayers $10M+ annually.

What Gets Tossed

• Cigarette butts (toxic, non-biodegradable).
• Fast-food packaging, bottles, cans.
• Construction debris, tire treads.
• PPE (masks, gloves) post-2020 surge.

Who Pays

CDOT's Adopt-a-Highway volunteers cover ~15% of mileage. Remaining 85% falls on paid crews. Fines: $20–$500 + community service; enforcement sporadic.

Behavioral Insights

Studies show littering peaks: ages 18–34, males, passengers (not drivers), near fast-food outlets. "Clean community" norms reduce rates 30–50%.

What You Can Do

• Report via CDOT app or *CSP (*277).
• Join/start Adopt-a-Highway segment (2-mi, 2-yr commitment).
• Carry a car trash bag; secure loads.
• Support container-deposit legislation (bottle bills cut beverage litter 70%).

Colorado's beauty isn't self-maintaining. Every piece picked up is a vote for the state we want.