About Keep America Beautiful

• Founded in 1953 

• National nonprofit focused on litter prevention and reduction, recycling, beautification, and community improvement 

• Based in Stamford, Connecticut with network of 731 local affiliates across the United States 

Our story began in 1953, when organizations representing civic groups, conservation organizations, corporations, and government agencies came together to find solutions to the growing national concern of litter along America’s highways and public spaces. That initial meeting would eventually evolve into Keep America Beautiful, an organization founded on the idea that improving communities requires collaboration and action among citizens, organizations, government, and business. 

What began as a conversation about roadside litter has grown into a nationwide movement powered by millions of volunteers. Today, we support initiatives that address a wide range of environmental and community challenges, including: 

• litter prevention 

• recycling and waste reduction 

• beautification and greening 

• environmental education 

• community improvement and revitalization 

Through research, education, and local partnerships, we help communities build lasting solutions that improve public spaces and strengthen civic pride. 

Across our affiliate network, local leaders and volunteers organize cleanup events, plant trees, expand recycling opportunities, and work to improve the places where people live, work, and gather. 

These efforts demonstrate a simple but powerful idea: when people come together to care for their communities, meaningful change is possible. 

Q: What is Keep America Beautiful? 

Keep America Beautiful is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1953 that works with local affiliates, volunteers, public agencies, and corporate partners to reduce litter, increase recycling, and improve communities. 

Q: When was Keep America Beautiful founded? 

Keep America Beautiful was founded in 1953 following a meeting of organizations concerned about litter along America’s highways. The organizing meeting took place October 15, 1953 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. 

Q: Who founded Keep America Beautiful? 

The organization emerged from a cross-sector coalition including civic organizations, conservation groups, government agencies, and industry representatives. Founding members included:  

The following organizations were part of the founding of Keep America Beautiful: 

Conservation, Community and Youth Organizations 

• Boy Scouts of America
• Izaak Walton League of America
• National Clean-Up—Paint-Up—Fix-Up Bureau 
• National Council of State Garden Clubs
• National Parks Association
• Sport Fishing Association 

Corporations and Industry Groups 

• American Can Company
• American Petroleum Institute
• California State Chamber of Commerce
• Can Manufacturers Institute
• Carr-Lowrey Glass Company
• Continental Can Company
• Fibre Box Association
• Glass Container Manufacturing Institute
• National Association of Chewing Gum Manufacturers
• National Beer Wholesalers Association
• National Can Corporation
• Owens-Illinois Glass Company
• Paper Cup and Container Institute
• U.S. Brewers Foundation 

Government Agencies 

• Connecticut State Highway Department
• New York State Department of Public Works

Transportation Organizations 

• American Automobile Association
• Automobile Manufacturers Association

Q: Was Keep America Beautiful created by corporations? 

The organization emerged from collaboration among multiple sectors including civic organizations, conservation groups, government agencies, and companies concerned about roadside litter.  

Since 1953, we’ve been bringing together communities, organizations, and corporate partners across the country to address litter and improve public spaces. What began as a conversation about roadside litter has grown into a nationwide movement supporting cleaner, greener, and more vibrant communities.