Our Adopt a Highway volunteers do very important work throughout the year, helping keep Arizona grand.

While we work to visit and recognize our Adopt a Highway volunteer groups, we also want volunteers to be able to share the work they do with their friends and family on social media. 

Whether you participate in the ADOT statewide cleanup on Sept. 17 for National CleanUp Day or volunteer on other days throughout the year, we want to celebrate you. 

How can you do that? If you're an Adopt a Highway volunteer, be sure to add our 2022 Facebook frame to your profile photo. We're rolling out this new Facebook frame in time for Sept. 17. 

To add a frame to your profile picture on a desktop computer:

• Go to Facebook's Profile Frames page.
• Search “Adopt a Highway.” 
• Click “Use as Profile Picture” to save it.

To add a frame to your profile picture on a mobile device:

• Go to your Facebook app and tap on your profile picture.
• A menu will pop up, tap “Add Frame.”
• Search “Adopt a Highway.” 

If you're on Instagram, use our Instagram stickers in your Stories. The stickers focus on Adopt a Highway and one even features a litterbug. They can be found on the ADOT Giphy page or by searching "arizonadot" in the sticker section of Instagram. 

Last year, 150 Adopt a Highway volunteers collected 1.2 tons of unsightly litter from adopted highway segments on National CleanUp Day.

We're looking forward to seeing photos of all of the volunteers who work hard to keep Arizona grand throughout the year. Remember to use hashtag #NationalCleanUpDay and tag ADOT in your photos.

National CleanUp Day is Saturday, Sept. 17. That's less than three weeks away! Here are a few pointers for:

• One-day permit requests: Registration closes Friday, Sept. 9 at 5:00 pm: Register here by Sept. 9 if you would like a one-day permit. We will assist you to locate an adoptable segment and process the permit. Permits include information needed to participate, like where to pick up trash bags and safety vests from an ADOT location nearest you. 
• Adopt a Highway Volunteer Program permit holders: Thank you for registering your intent to participate on National CleanUp Day. We’re here if you need bags and vests, so reach out to your designated district contact right away. Collecting litter on Sept. 17 also counts toward the annual litter collection requirements of the group permit. Great job!  
• Tell us how much trash you collected: Report the number of litter bags filled within three days after the event. All volunteer groups are required to report their litter bag totals after the event so that we can share litter-busting accomplishments with 1,002 Adopt a Highway volunteer groups and subscribers to the ADOT Blog.

The Adopt a Highway team plans to visit as many volunteer groups around the state as logistics allow. We will contact you prior to National Cleanup Day if your segment is along our route.

We'd love to share your event photos on social media. Use the hashtag #NationalCleanUpDay and tag your photos with @ArizonaDOT. 

Thank you for considering ADOT as an opportunity to unite and reduce litter along our highways. Visit us at Adopt a Highway to learn more. 

If you live in Phoenix, My Beautiful Phoenix is ready to help you reduce litter in your neighborhood. Tucson area residents contact Tucson Clean and Beautiful. Check out Don’t Trash Arizona Litter FAQs and litter craft ideas for kids, too. 

Arizona, keep It grand!

The Adopt a Highway Volunteer Program welcomes you to make a positive difference on National CleanUp Day, Saturday, Sept. 17, from dawn to dusk.

Registration opens today, Aug. 17, for Adopt a Highway volunteer groups and others wanting a one-day permit to clean litter along a designated one or two mile segment of highway.

In 2021, 40 groups filled 150 trash bags in one day. That's 2,053 pounds or 1.2 tons of litter removed from state roadways. We invite you to help us continue the momentum and keep Arizona grand.

Volunteer groups who participate on National CleanUp! Day and report the bags of litter collected are helping to fulfill the permit requirement for cleaning their adopted segment.

ADOT grants one-day permits on a first-come, first-served basis and we'll do our best to find an adoptable section near your desired location.

One-day permit holders who decide to keep the permit after National CleanUp Day for two years, will have the first cleanup waived. One cleanup is required after a new permit is confirmed to have the group recognition sign ordered and installed at the adopted segment.

All groups must report litter bags collected and the number of volunteers who participated within three days after the event. ADOT tracks litter data to better understand where resources are needed to help mitigate litter. Groups that report this vital information will receive a printable certificate of appreciation for participating in this year's event.

The Adopt a Highway team plans to recognize as many volunteer groups on-site as logistics allow. If your registered group is located on our route Sept. 17 we will contact you to coordinate our visit.

We'd love to see and share your National CleanUp Day photos on social media. Please use the hashtag #NationalCleanUpDay and tag your photos with @ArizonaDOT.

Thank you for considering ADOT as an opportunity to unite and reduce litter in Arizona. Visit Adopt a Highway for more information.

Arizona, Keep It Grand!

Welcome one and all! Whether you are an existing Adopt a Highway volunteer group or want to pitch-in for one day. This year National Cleanup Day is Saturday, Sept. 17, less than two months away. The day is set aside for civic-minded individuals and organizations to unite for the purpose of reducing litter in their communities along state highways.

Mark your calendar and watch for registration information in the coming weeks. Adopt a Highway volunteer groups and other civic-minded individuals requesting a one-day permit will have the opportunity to register for the cleanup in late August.

All groups participating are required to report litter totals within three days of the event. Last year 331 Adopt a Highway volunteers collected more than 1.3 tons of litter in one day! An amazing result from the efforts of caring Arizonans like our volunteer shown in the photo from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Prescott.

The Adopt a Highway team plans to visit as many volunteer groups around the state as logistics allow. If your clean up is along our route, we will contact you in advance of National Cleanup Day to coordinate details. 

Thank you for considering National Cleanup Day as an opportunity to volunteer and help reduce litter along state highways. For more information contact [email protected].

Arizona, Keep It Grand!

Traveling through Arizona, you may have noticed Adopt a Highway recognition signs dotted along the highway. Well, if you have ever wondered what those signs are all about, we’ve answered some of the frequently asked questions here:

No. 1 What is the cost to participate in the volunteer program? 

There is no cost to participate. ADOT will install a recognition sign displaying the name of the volunteer group at each end of the segment after receiving the group’s first documented litter cleanup. 

No. 2 Do the people who adopt it actually pick up the trash?

Volunteer permits are granted to families, individuals, companies and organizations that tend to an adopted segment. The volunteer group leader reports litter pickups to ADOT as part of the permit agreement. 

No. 3 Why is it important to report litter bag totals to ADOT

Trash data is well, a bit like finding gold for us here at the Adopt a Highway office. Information collected from the efforts of 7,441 volunteers helps us understand how much litter is picked-up each year along highways in Arizona, as shown in the infographic on the right. Volunteer participation is what makes this program successful and helps keep Arizona grand!

No. 4 How often do I have to clean the area? 

Volunteers agree to clean adopted segments at least one time per year although many volunteer groups clean quarterly or more often than that. 

No. 5 What about the recyclables?

If you choose to collect recyclable items, bring your own bags to fill and haul them away along with your volunteers after the cleanup. 

No. 6 Does ADOT provide equipment to volunteers?

ADOT provides contact information and instructions for volunteers to pick up bags and safety vests prior to each cleanup. Be sure to plan two weeks ahead by contacting your district to reserve these items to ensure we have plenty in stock. Volunteers may choose to bring their own ANSI Class 2 safety vests, gloves and pick up sticks.

No. 7 Who picks up the filled trash bags?

ADOT maintenance crews pick up filled volunteer trash bags after the cleanup and dispose of them. 

No. 8 Can any section of highway be adopted? 

Not quite. Adoptable highway segments are approved by ADOT for the safety of our volunteers. We want to be sure that dedicated volunteer segments have adequate parking in a safe location.

No. 9 Who can adopt a highway?

ADOT welcomes civic-minded individuals and groups that are interested in collecting litter on an adopted segment of state highway in Arizona. We have thousands of miles to choose from. Contact us and a local permit technician will help you find a segment near or as close to your desired location as possible. 

No. 10 Is that it? 

Pretty much—that’s the big stuff. For more answers and steps to get started click here. 

Mother Nature wasted no time testing three digit temperatures as the month of May had barely faded from sight.

June 21 is the official first day of summer and with that brings an added layer of safety for Adopt a Highway volunteers to consider. Groups who begin cleanup events as early as sunrise to avoid the direct sun and heat are vulnerable to the elements as well. As Arizonans we’ve come to expect those 100 degree overnight temperatures in areas of the state.

With that in mind ADOT launched a new safety briefing video for individuals preparing to head out on a cleanup activity. The safety briefing is a requirement for all volunteers, but it is really much more than that. 

The video has a new vibe and is packed with safety recommendations designed to impart knowledge about situations that may be encountered while volunteering in ADOT right of way. It is a shortened version and designed to educate with a smile.

In fact, whether you are collecting litter as a volunteer or traveling state roadways this summer we want you to be prepared for the elements or an emergency that you may encounter. Severe weather is ‘a thing’, so check out the page for bite-sized information that may come in handy when you least expect it.

Littering is getting worse as evidenced by the increase in litter data collected by ADOT. We  appreciate the choice our volunteers make to improve their community and help keep Arizona Grand. If you would like information on getting started in the program, visit Adopt a Highway.

If you live in Phoenix and want to help reduce litter in your neighborhood, please visit  My Beautiful Phoenix hosted by Keep Phoenix Beautiful. 

Arizona, Keep It Grand!

The heat is officially "on" and this means increased safety measures for volunteers, or anyone working outside, as temperatures rise. 

Here at ADOT, we have a few suggestions for Adopt a Highway volunteers to consider before heading out to collect litter, but, really, this guidance applies to any traveler or anyone planning to exert themselves outdoors for a period of time. If you are new to Arizone, "Welcome!"

ADOT volunteers are devoted to collecting litter year 'round and developed these tips so they can be prepared when they head out to collect trash along the highway. 

• Consider a morning cleanup event before the temperature increases. Successful volunteer groups ensure volunteers are hydrated and have access to water. The temperature may feel cool, but staying hydrated is important when exerting yourself no matter the temperature.
• Set a reasonable time for your group to work at your adopted segment and stick to it. Temperatures rise quickly in the southwest, especially at lower altitudes. Plan on wrapping up after an hour or two and, when possible, plan more frequent shorter cleanup events at the site.
• The Arizona sun is intense. Even with cloud cover. Consider wearing sunscreen, a hat, long sleeves and long pants to keep your skin from burning. Make sure cell phones are charged and that you know where the nearest hospital is to your adopted segment in case of an emergency.
• Pack plenty of snacks and water for volunteers. Be sure each volunteer receives a safety briefing before heading out to pick up trash.
• Whether collecting trash along the highway or enjoying other outdoor activities, please be safety conscious and aware of the heat.

ADOT appreciates all of our volunteers and travelers who help keep Arizona grand by securing their trash and truck loads. Enjoy your summer safely.

If you would like more information about adopting a section of highway near you check out the website here, Adopt a Highway Programs. Contact Tucson Clean & Beautiful and Keep Phoenix Beautiful for opportunities to make a positive impact in your hometown.

Here at ADOT, we are always grateful for our Adopt a Highway volunteers and the work they do to help keep Arizona’s highways clean. But since it is National Volunteer Week this week, it gives us a special opportunity to say “thank you” and recognize our amazing volunteers.

Through our Adopt a Highway Volunteer Program, 1,002 volunteer groups made up of 7,441 volunteers have helped to clean up nearly 2,000 miles of state highways last year. Through their efforts, more than 14,300 bags of trash were collected in 2021. That’s a lot of litter!

While ADOT maintenance personnel are available to remove litter as part of their duties, their primary responsibility is to safety-related work such as guardrail repair, pavement maintenance and right-of-way fence repairs to keep livestock off roadways.

That’s why we are so grateful for our volunteers.

So, to our Adopt a Highway volunteers: thank you for giving your time and energy to clean up litter and trash along the highways. Because of your selflessness and commitment to the beautification of our state, each of you help us keep Arizona grand!

AJ Lander and Noah Silva were recognized for their volunteer service earlier this year when they each received a "Keep it Grand" lapel pin for participating in a highway cleanup in January.

Lander and Silva were collecting litter in 40-gallon trash bags along a stretch of State Route 286, about halfway between Three Points and Sasabe at the Arizona-Mexico border, when they were spotted by Mary Currie, who manages the Adopt a Highway program for ADOT and was driving through the area.

The wildlife managers — and volunteers that day — had returned for the third year to participate in the “All the Way to the Border” cleanup event on Jan. 29 led by Melissa Owen, a local ranch owner.

The highway creates a boundary between Silva’s managed area to the east and Lander’s area to the west. Silva enjoys helping clean up the environment. “It's a good thing, giving back," he said. "We work with land owners on each side of this highway."

Lander added that this is all about habitat improvements and natural resource conservation. “It may just be the shoulder of the highway, but it is still a natural area. This is our home.” 

“ADOT appreciates these two Arizona Game and Fish volunteers, whose service contributed to the removal of 211 bags of trash from alongside the highway,” Currie said. “When Lander said, 'this is our home,' it really resonated with me. Volunteers are helping to protect the homes of human and wild creatures alike by removing litter.”

SR 286 passes through Arizona’s high desert and the protected area of the Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge. Plastics, glass shards and other forms of litter pose a real danger to deer, pronghorn and other wildlife. 

If you are interested in becoming one of the thousands of dedicated volunteers keeping our highways clean and safe visit the Adopt a Highway webpage to get started.