The Keep America Beautiful Litter Index is a credible and simple tool that allows quick and reliable visual assessment of the types of litter present in a community. The data obtained through the Litter Index will determine the types of community improvement programs needed to address current conditions, and achieve long-term sustainable results.

The Litter Index is designed to measure progress over time. It helps identify what is effective—and what isn't—in positively changing littering attitudes and behaviors and related community improvement issues. Consistent use of the Litter Index on an annual basis can help track overall progress in reducing litter, and can quantitatively express success in community improvement.

Keep America Beautiful realizes that no two communities are exactly alike, and no single improvement plan will address all the needs of every community. The Litter Index has been designed to be flexible and allow for individual judgment in making choices appropriate for local circumstances.

The Litter Index was created by the Keep America Beautiful, Inc. "Litter Measurement Technical Committee." After initial review and field-testing, Keep America Beautiful local and state affiliates have utilized it every year to assess changing conditions in the communities they serve.