DEQ's Litter Prevention Program works closely with local governments, solid waste planning units, businesses and associations to ensure the minimization of the impact of litter on the environment.

DEQ provides information and guidance, coordinates the distribution of annual grants to localities, and works with localities, litter prevention program managers and environmental groups on improving awareness. Each year, DEQ also tracks and reports how localities use their grant funds to support their litter prevention and recycling programs.

The 2021 General Assembly made changes to the Litter Grant program’s allocation formula to include the operation of public information campaigns discouraging the sale and use of expanded polystyrene products and to promote alternatives to expanded polystyrene. Also, a requirement prohibiting the use of expanded polystyrene food service containers was added to the statute.