National CleanUp Day volunteers bag 2.6 tons for Arizona

Saturday, Sept. 19, was a record-breaking day for Adopt a Highway volunteers who participated in the 9th Annual National CleanUp Day.

More than 220 volunteers in 45 communities across Arizona picked up litter on adopted segments, filling 382 trash bags. That equals about 2.6 tons of trash bagged and ready for ADOT maintenance crews to pick up and dispose of properly.

This single-day trash haul ranks second to only the 4.3 tons of trash bagged on National CleanUp Day in 2020.

If you'd like to see volunteers caught in the act besting seven prior cleanup records please visit our photo album. And a fair warning: there are so many smiles that you’d never guess they are working hard to keep Arizona’s roadsides beautiful. 

Volunteer leader Mariah Robles with The Light of the World Youth Group said, “We also appreciate you guys for inviting us to unite in keeping our city clean.” 

You’ll see Mariah’s volunteers in the featured photo in this article. 

The success of this year’s event is a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when people come together. 

If you are interested in adopting your own stretch of highway, find all of the details on our website, azdot.gov/adoptahighway. 

ADOT welcomes civic-minded individuals, families, faith-based groups, clubs and others to adopt. Participants must be at least 12 years of age, and those 12-18 must also be accompanied by a parent or guardian.