ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A new NACS report, “Convenience Store Industry’s Take on Trash,” highlights consumer perceptions and retailer observations about litter, trash and recycling at U.S. convenience stores. Key Insights include:

• 41% of retailers say trash at the pump comes from customers cleaning out their cars
• 43% of consumers would keep bottles and cans in their vehicle until they found a recycling bin
• 53% of consumers toss their trash into an outside receptacle at the gas pump
• 20% of convenience retailers say their recycling program fits their company’s values/mission

“There are 155,000 convenience stores in the United States, which represent 34% of all brick-and-mortar retail locations,” said Carolyn Schnare, NACS director of strategic initiatives. “Given our industry’s presence within communities, our recent surveys suggest that retailers can have a positive impact by making sure their locations are clean and inviting. In doing so, retailers can also enhance their brand and provide leadership in communities for doing the right thing when it comes to litter and recycling,” she said.

Recent NACS consumer surveys reveal perceptions consumers have about convenience stores as they relate to litter and recycling. In addition, NACS retail members reveal the steps they take, or are considering, to implement sustainable practices such as litter management and recycling.

Download the full report, Convenience Store Industry’s Take on Trash, and find additional tools and resources to serve your communities here.