Midlands Roads See Decline in Litter, Officials Say More Work Ahead

New audit finds reduced roadside trash, but plastic, fast food containers, and cigarette butts remain persistent issues.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A recent roadside litter survey by Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) in the Columbia, South Carolina region found a decline in visible trash along monitored corridors across Lexington and Richland counties, compared to previous reporting periods. Local leaders attributed the improvement to expanded cleanup partnerships, increased anti-litter messaging, enforcement of fines, and participation in statewide cleanup initiatives. However, officials stressed that roadside litter has not been solved, with plastic packaging, fast-food containers, and cigarette butts still making up a significant share of collected waste, and certain areas like entrance ramps and commercial corridors remaining persistent trouble spots.

Why it matters

Reducing roadside litter carries environmental and financial benefits for the community. Debris washed into storm drains and waterways can contribute to flooding risks, and local governments spend millions annually responding to litter complaints, costs that could drop if the downward trend continues. The progress, however, is fragile and will depend on sustained public participation to maintain the improvements.

The details

The audit examined multiple road segments across Lexington and Richland counties, where volunteers and coordinators cataloged and categorized litter along designated routes. While debris remains common in high-traffic commercial corridors and construction zones, surveyors reported fewer items overall than in past counts. Local leaders attributed the decline to a combination of factors, including expanded cleanup partnerships with civic groups and volunteer organizations, increased signage and anti-litter messaging campaigns, enforcement of litter fines and illegal dumping penalties, and continued participation in statewide cleanup initiatives.

  • The recent roadside litter survey by Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) was conducted in 2026.

The players

Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB)

A local organization that conducted the recent roadside litter survey in the Columbia, South Carolina region.

Lexington County

One of the counties in the Midlands region where the litter survey was conducted.

Richland County

One of the counties in the Midlands region where the litter survey was conducted.

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What’s next

Local leaders say the progress in reducing roadside litter is fragile and will depend on sustained public participation to maintain the improvements. Continued efforts, such as expanded cleanup partnerships, increased anti-litter messaging, and enforcement of fines, will be crucial to build on the recent decline in visible trash along Midlands roads.

The takeaway

While the Midlands region of South Carolina has seen a decline in roadside litter, the job is not finished. Persistent issues like plastic packaging, fast-food containers, and illegal dumping remain challenges that will require ongoing community engagement and government action to address. Maintaining the progress will depend on sustained public participation and a multi-pronged approach to litter reduction.