Over the years, GBB and the Institute for Applied Research (IAR) have become leaders in helping communities reduce litter. The primary objective of GBB’s visible litter surveys is to determine the extent, rate, composition and probable origin of litter along streets, highways and other locales, using a unique stratified random sampling model. This model accounts for factors that influence litter, such as roadway type and adjacent land use, traffic volume, weather, income, county population size, distance to the nearest city, and the type and duration of litter control program effort.

This methodology has been utilized by GBB and IAR in 73 major litter surveys, including one that led to the now famous “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign and recent ones for the states of Mississippi, North Carolina and New Jersey. Based on the results of the surveys, GBB identifies the sources of litter and recommends strategies that help ensure a successful media campaign to reduce litter.