The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word LITTERED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
L
I
T
T
E
R
E
D
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LITTERED mean?
LITTERED verb- To drop or throw trash without properly disposing of it (as discarding in public areas rather than trash receptacles).
- To scatter carelessly about.
- To strew (a place) with scattered articles.
- To give birth to, used of animals.
- To produce a litter of young.
- To supply (cattle etc.) with litter; to cover with litter, as the floor of a stall.
- To be supplied with litter as bedding; to sleep or make one's bed in litter.
- Covered in litter