Adopt a Highway: Green Valley group passes 5,000 mark for bags collected

More than 1,000 volunteer groups work behind the scenes to clean adopted segments in a vast geography of landscapes along state highways. The Green Valley Litter Patrol is accomplishing that goal in a big way.

Volunteer group leader Gene Van Dyken, who tracks the bag count each year, reported this inspiring news last week: “We are going into the year 2024 having picked 5100+ bags since 2008.”

In 2023, the group reported 259 trash bags filled. That’s 1.77 tons of trash picked up along Interstate 19 on 24 miles of adopted state highway and connecting frontage roads. About 12 to 15 volunteers participate in cleanups held weekly.

When it comes to ensuring that bags are picked up and disposed of properly, Van Dyken said, “The coordination down here by the ADOT crew has been outstanding.” 

Reports of littering increase each year. ADOT asks travelers to help prevent littering before it happens by securing truck loads, clearing truck beds and stashing trash while driving until it can be disposed of properly.

The Adopt a Highway Volunteer Program applauds Green Valley Litter Patrol’s effort that led to this impressive milestone, and their continued service to help reverse the effects of littering in southern Arizona.

Thank you to individuals who donate time and resources to help keep Arizona Grand. Want to get involved? Please visit azdot.gov/adoptahighway to learn about volunteer opportunities in your area.