The contents vary: beer,water, soda, sports drinks and "energy" concoctions.

But when the containers that hold these liquids are strewn along streets, parks and sidewalks, they all have the same name: litter.

Discarded cups, bottles and cans are ubiquitous in our region, where summer heat creates a powerful need for cold thirst quenchers. But the container waste, tossed where it doesn't belong, is an affront to the environment in several ways:

The debris ends up in storm-water runoff, at times blocking drains. When it washes into streams and bays, it threatens wildlife.

Failing to recycle plastic, aluminum and glass wastes power, petroleum and other resources. It also enlarges the nation's already gargantuan carbon footprint.

More than 15 million barrels of oil a year are needed to accommodate America's thirst for bottled water, says the Earth Policy Institute. A low recycling rate means that "new water bottles must be manufactured almost entirely from virgin petroleum resin, consuming vast amounts of energy and resources," says the Container Recycling Institute.

Carelessly tossed cans, bottles and cups are ugly. They communicate a contagious message of environmental disrespect. The sight of litter makes the next guy who comes along think it's OK to dump his on the ground too.DEPOSIT LAW MIGHT HELPOne way to fight the scourge is a deposit law. States that use this approach have high recycling rates and far less litter.

A deposit law wouldn't be necessary, of course, if certain slobs would shape up. Why do some folks find it easier to toss their waste onto a road instead of into a recycling bin?

More strategically placed receptacles might help. On the other hand, bins that do exist elsewhere often are ignored. (Ironically, "energy" drinks are sometimes scattered near them. Apparently, even a big dose of caffeine isn't enough to give some people the strength to properly dispose of an empty can.)

If the bins aren't ignored, they're often misused. Picnic garbage, for example, can end up inrecycling bins, which means everything in them - including aluminum, glass and plastic that could have had a second, useful life - goes to the landfill.

Then there are drivers who toss their beer bottles onto the road to hide the evidence of DUI. These people need a conscience, not a recycling bin.

It's past time for an attitude adjustment.Litter isn't just unsightly, it's destructively wasteful. Scofflaws deserve an appropriate penalty - say,a month of trash-combing in the hot Augustsun.

VOLUNTEERS DO DIRTY WORK

Kudos to anti-litter folks who do that sort of thing voluntarily. Community programs, such as Keep Polk County Beautiful, provide important cleanup benefits. But volunteers shouldn't have to shoulder so much of other people's dirty work.

All citizens have a responsibility to prevent litter and reduce waste. Bottles and cans should go to the recycling bin - not to the storm sewers or streets.