Adopt a Highway volunteers keep Arizona grand on National CleanUp Day
Adopt a Highway volunteers keep Arizona grand on National CleanUp Day
Volunteers removed 2.6 tons of trash from roadways across the state
PHOENIX – Volunteers with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Adopt a Highway program cleared more than 2.6 tons of trash and litter from state highways on National CleanUp Day.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, more than 224 volunteers from 33 volunteer groups around the state collected 382 bags of trash from Arizona highways. This tops the 1.8 tons of trash removed during last year’s National CleanUp Day event.
Members of a volunteer group in Wickenburg spent the morning cleaning their adopted mile on US 60. Savanah Waters, who adopted the stretch of highway in honor of her late brother, Jimmy “Tra” Waters, said it was a great opportunity for her family and friends to remember Jimmy, while making a difference in their town.
“It’s just so heartwarming to see everyone have a good time and see what we’re doing for a good cause,” she said.
Groups registered to participate in National CleanUp Day represented Springerville, Flagstaff, Payson, Marana, Sierra Vista, Bouse, Surprise and Rock Point, among other communities.
Volunteer highway cleanup events occur year-round and ADOT will host an Adopt A Highway Route 66 Centennial Cleanup in Flagstaff on Saturday, Oct. 17, in celebration of its 100-year anniversary. Individuals can register to participate through Oct. 2.
Adopt a Highway volunteers help make a big difference in keeping Arizona grand. In 2025, nearly 8,000 people with 823 groups cleaned 1,982 miles of highway and filled 12,876 bags of trash and roadside litter. The labor value of those volunteers’ work is over $589,000.
Civic-minded individuals, religious groups, families and others who participate in the Adopt a Highway program receive two-year permits to clean up roadside litter on highway segments, typically a mile in each direction and largely in rural areas, that are deemed safe for volunteers.
They agree to pick up litter in their adopted stretch at least one a year, preferably three or more times per year, and coordinate with ADOT to arrange for safety vests, litter bags and training.
To learn more about the Adopt a Highway program or to adopt your own segment, visit http://azdot.gov/adoptahighway.