Each year, Keep the Midlands Beautiful (KMB) conducts a four-day audit measuring the amount of visible litter along roadways in Lexington and Richland counties, and recent results show a decrease in litter levels.
Known as the Community Litter Index, the audit is conducted by a six-person team with assistance from program partners, board members, and volunteers. Since 2022, the same 123 road segments across 11 geographic areas have been observed and evaluated annually.
The roads and areas were randomly selected with support from each county’s Geographic Information System (GIS) teams. Beginning in 2027, a new set of locations will be selected and observed over a five-year period.
Litter levels are evaluated using a four-point scale developed by Keep America Beautiful:
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1 – Virtually no litter, or one to two pieces in an area equivalent to a city block
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2 – Slightly littered; could be cleaned in a short period of time
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3 – Litter is frequently noticeable and would require considerable effort to clean
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4 – Continuous litter, possibly including illegal dump sites; equipment may be required for removal
From 2022 through 2024, audits were conducted in June, when tall grass often obscured litter. Beginning in 2025, the audit was moved to January, when grass is lower and litter is more visible, allowing for a more realistic assessment of roadside conditions. KMB notes that this seasonal change makes direct comparisons to previous years less precise.
Those interested in helping reduce litter in Lexington or Richland counties through volunteering, donations, or sponsorships are encouraged to contact Keep the Midlands Beautiful at [email protected], call (803) 733-1139, or visit https://kmbsc.org
