Research & Data
Understanding the Problem. Informing the Solution.
Why Data Matters
Litter prevention is not just about cleanup. It is about behavior change.
Research helps us:
• Identify the primary sources of litter
• Understand high risk corridors and hotspots
• Measure cleanup impact
• Inform education and enforcement strategies
• Support grant applications and funding
• Strengthen partnerships with state and local agencies
Data ensures that resources are deployed where they create the greatest impact.
State and Local Data Resources
We encourage partners, policymakers, researchers, and community members to explore the following sources for current litter, waste, and environmental data relevant to Colorado:
• Colorado Department of Transportation roadside debris and maintenance reports
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment waste and materials management data
• Keep America Beautiful national litter studies and behavior research
• Environmental Protection Agency municipal solid waste and recycling data
• Regional and county solid waste departments
• Local municipal cleanup and illegal dumping reports
These resources provide valuable insight into trends, costs, and environmental impacts.
What We Are Working Toward
As Don’t Trash Colorado expands, our goal is to develop:
• A Colorado statewide litter baseline assessment
• Annual cleanup impact reporting
• Hotspot mapping and trend tracking
• Volunteer participation metrics
• Public awareness benchmarking
• Secure Your Load compliance indicators
Over time, this data will help demonstrate measurable progress and guide continuous improvement.
Partner With Us
We welcome collaboration with:
• Universities and research institutions
• State agencies
• Local governments
• Environmental organizations
• Data analysts and GIS professionals
If your organization collects relevant data or is interested in collaborating on future research initiatives, we would love to connect.
Strong data builds strong programs.
Don’t Trash Colorado is committed to grounding our work in credible information, transparent reporting, and measurable statewide impact.
