Volunteer Program - Adopt a Highway
Volunteer Program - Adopt a Highway
Arizona's Adopt a Highway Volunteer program began in 1988 with Governor Rose Mofford. During the first year 100 organizations joined the program and within the first two years after it launched volunteers collected litter along 200 miles of freeway.
Today, more than 7,600 individual volunteers pick up litter along 2,000 miles of Arizona's highways.
Who can adopt?
- Individuals, families, youth organizations (12 years and older)
- Businesses (large and small)
- Civic and non-profit organizations
- Religious groups, schools, fraternities and sororities
Why volunteer with Adopt a Highway?
- Highways provide a first impression of Arizona for travelers.
- It’s a free and easy way for individuals and groups to beautify their communities. ADOT provides safety vests and litter bags.
- Forming an Adopt a Highway group is a great way to spend time with family, friends and colleagues while working toward a common goal.
- Adopting a mile has a direct and measurable impact on cleaner roads and the surrounding beauty of Arizona.
- Adopt a Highway recognition signs are installed at the adopted section after the first cleanup is complete and recorded at Report Litter Pickup.
How to get involved
- Review the AZ511.gov map and select a highway. Note the mile markers at the preferred adoption location. To reveal mile markers click on the map legend and check the box next to 'Mile Markers. Zoom into the map if needed to see the mile markers.
- Complete the Adopt a Highway volunteer program application and email it to the ADOT District nearest the adoption location.
Program requirements
- Adoptable segments are typically a one-mile stretch of highway between highway mile markers.
- Adopt a Highway volunteer adoption permits are for two years and may be renewed prior to the expiration date.
- You agree to notify the district contact one week prior to each cleanup and pick up litter one or more times per year.
- Volunteers read a safety briefing and watch a safety video prior to each cleanup.
- You agree to record litter cleanup activity after each event at Report Litter Pickup.