Solid waste mismanagement impacts stormwater systems, especially in urban areas where large quantities of anthropogenic litter enter drainage systems. This study identified the primary factors influencing the quantity and movement of anthropogenic litter in terrestrial and aquatic environments. An analysis of anthropogenic litter abundance and movement via stormwater in Athens, Georgia was conducted through three distinct sampling regimes based on (1) ambient population densities, (2) selected drainage paths, and (3) an in-stream pollution capture device. Across all sampling regimes, plastics accounted for 76% by count and 34% by mass of all anthropogenic macrolitter (2.5 cm). The terrestrial litter loading rates (kg/ha-yr.) varied widely from 2 to 2,000 (M = 216, SD = 382). Interventions for reducing litter were recommended specific to the study area. The reduction of anthropogenic litter should be integrated with water management approaches in a more effective dual-resource management approach.
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