East Texas sees increase in littering during pandemic Since the pandemic began, cities across the U.S. and in East Texas have seen an increase in trash being discarded improperly. Author: Payton Weidman Updated: 7:04 PM CST December 11, 2020 TYLER, Texas — Single-use plastics are one of the greatest threats to the environment. Since the pandemic began, cities across the U.S. and in East Texas have seen an increase in trash being discarded improperly. PPE gear, like masks and gloves, while keeping people safe have become a common piece of trash left at place...