Adopt a Highway

Adopt a Highway: Thank you, veteran volunteers

Adopt a Highway: Thank you, veteran volunteers

Adopt a Highway: Thank you, veteran volunteers

Adopt a Highway: Thank you, veteran volunteers

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
November 10, 2022

The Arizona Department of Transportation remembers veterans for the commitment made to our great nation and those who continue to serve their communities.

Forty-five veterans groups care for adopted segments along state highways throughout Arizona. These individuals gather to reduce litter in the community and to express honor and remembrance to fallen military, beloved family members and friends.

Thank you to all veterans and veteran organization groups for leading others to help keep Arizona grand.

Adopting a two-mile section of state highway is one way to express pride in your community and preserve the beauty of Arizona. We welcome civic-minded groups and individuals interested in gathering together to pick up litter a few times per year. Click here for program details.

Adopt a Highway: Starlight Pines Homeowners Association celebrates 32 years of volunteerism

Adopt a Highway: Starlight Pines Homeowners Association celebrates 32 years of volunteerism

Adopt a Highway: Starlight Pines Homeowners Association celebrates 32 years of volunteerism

Adopt a Highway: Starlight Pines Homeowners Association celebrates 32 years of volunteerism

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
October 18, 2022

Fifty-three Starlight Pines residents gathered to celebrate 32 years of engaged participation in the Adopt a Highway Volunteer program at a community meeting held Saturday, Oct. 8. The community is located in Happy Jack between Payson and Winslow on State Route 87.

Starlighters Committee Chair Bonnie Steele and Adopt a Highway Group Coordinator Naïla Erwin are the positive force leading Adopt a Highway volunteer cleanups in the Starlight Pines community. 

Erwin said, “We are very proud of living in Starlight Pines and want to make sure that people who drive through see a clean highway, so they will know that we care about our community and our state.” 

 Adopt a Highway: Starlight Pines HOA Volunteer Photos, 1990 - 2022

Mary Currie, Adopt a Highway program coordinator, presented a years of service certificate and a certificate of appreciation for participating in a National CleanUp Day 2022 trash collection in September. 

Currie said, “This is such an important group of individuals that give of themselves year over year. And they continue the momentum of volunteerism so well by organizing and announcing community cleanup events.” 

Further north on SR 87, Lou and Cindy Hoover are the caretakers for an adopted two miles adjacent to the Starlighters segment. Hoover was recognized by the Starlighters for their neighborhood partnership. Erwin said, “We do the two sections together. As a reward for our hard work and a chance to visit, we have a potluck lunch afterward.”

Joel Harris, a retired Phoenix firefighter, remembers when his parents moved to Starlight and were part of the original founders of this volunteer effort. Harris says they fell in love with the surroundings and became active in preserving the community. Why is littering such a big deal? Harris said, “It destroys the natural beauty of the forest, it is unhealthy and it’s not good for the animals. We enjoy trying to keep this area clean and natural.”

Since 1990, more than 1,700 pounds of trash has been collected by 177 volunteers along the two-mile segment that parallels the community. Improving the view from the highway and preserving beauty for travelers and campers nearby are part of the legacy of community spirit Starlighters have fostered for more than three decades. 

Want to start something good in your community?  Visit azdot.gov/adoptahighway to begin trash-reducing efforts along an Arizona state highway near you.

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers collect 2.3 tons of litter in second largest statewide event

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers collect 2.3 tons of litter in second largest statewide event

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers collect 2.3 tons of litter in second largest statewide event

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers collect 2.3 tons of litter in second largest statewide event

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
October 3, 2022

This year's statewide litter cleanup event marks five years that Adopt a Highway volunteers have dedicated the third Saturday in September, aka National CleanUp Day, to reduce litter along state highways.

Total pounds collected were estimated at 4,586 pounds, the second largest haul of litter collected since 8,693 pounds was reported after the event in 2020.  

On Sept. 17, 39 volunteer groups and 215 individual volunteers in 11 counties filled 335 litter bags and gathered larger debris into piles for disposal totalling 2.3 tons. 

National Clean up Day_2022

ADOT Digital Communication Supervisor, John LaBarbera caught up with Stephanie Humble and her crew of seven early Saturday morning on US 60 near Apache Junction. The group's volunteer sign reads "Nicholas Wayne Humble," in memory of Humble's son who passed away Oct. 7, 2017. Humble said, "We're cleaning up our portion of the highway to honor his name and make a difference in the community." 

Further east along US 60, LaBarbera met ADOT Water Resources Stormwater Program Coordinator Laura Nordan near the town of Miami. Nordan adopted a segment to show support as she has done for the past several years. Part of Nordan's role is to help educate the public about the impact of stormwater runoff through community outreach. Nordan said, "Trash is one of  the leading causes of water pollution and why it is so important to prevent litter from entering storm drains where it is directly linked to washes, ponds and lakes."

Thanks to this year's volunteers, many of whom are shown in the photo slideshow embedded in this post, and those who participate year 'round at adopted segments in their communities. 

During the last fiscal year, litter collection and disposal cost $7.4m statewide. If you would like to help us keep Arizona grand by volunteering, visit azdot.gov/adoptahighway.

Adopt a Highway volunteers pick up more than two tons of litter on National Clean Up Day

Adopt a Highway volunteers pick up more than two tons of litter on National Clean Up Day

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Adopt a Highway volunteers pick up more than two tons of litter on National Clean Up Day

Adopt a Highway volunteers pick up more than two tons of litter on National Clean Up Day

September 27, 2022

PHOENIX – Earlier this month, 39 Arizona Department of Transportation Adopt a Highway Volunteer groups consisting of more than 200 individuals hit the highways across the state to pick up trash for National Clean Up Day. The groups collectively picked up more than two tons of litter and debris.

“We are so thankful to our volunteers who came out for National Clean Up Day this year,” said Mary Currie, ADOT’s Adopt a Highway coordinator. “Our volunteers help us keep the highways clean year round.”

This year, Adopt a Highway groups spread out over 11 counties collected nearly 4,600 pounds of trash. This is the second-largest clean up of litter on National Clean Up Day since 2020, when groups collected nearly 8,700 pounds of trash.

National Clean Up Day is an initiative by Clean Trails, a nonprofit organization, to organize clean ups across the country. Arizona Adopt a Highway groups have participated in this annual event since 2018. 

For more information on the Adopt a Highway Volunteer Program, visit azdot.gov/adoptahighway

Adopt a Highway: Celebrating volunteers on social media

Adopt a Highway: Celebrating volunteers on social media

Adopt a Highway: Celebrating volunteers on social media

Adopt a Highway: Celebrating volunteers on social media

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
September 15, 2022

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:

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.

Adopt a Highway: Let’s do this volunteers! Join the statewide cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 17

Adopt a Highway: Let’s do this volunteers! Join the statewide cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 17

Adopt a Highway: Let’s do this volunteers! Join the statewide cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 17

Adopt a Highway: Let’s do this volunteers! Join the statewide cleanup on Saturday, Sept. 17

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
August 31, 2022

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!

Adopt a Highway: Registration Starts Today

Adopt a Highway: Registration Starts Today

Adopt a Highway: Registration Starts Today

Adopt a Highway: Registration Starts Today

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
August 17, 2022

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!

Adopt a Highway: Save the date, Sept. 17 is National CleanUp Day

Adopt a Highway: Save the date, Sept. 17 is National CleanUp Day

Adopt a Highway: Save the date, Sept. 17 is National CleanUp Day

Adopt a Highway: Save the date, Sept. 17 is National CleanUp Day

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
August 3, 2022
Blog Default

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!

Adopting a Highway: Top 10 questions answered

Adopting a Highway: Top 10 questions answered

Adopting a Highway: Top 10 questions answered

Adopting a Highway: Top 10 questions answered

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
July 27, 2022

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

Adopt a Highway: Volunteer safety in Arizona, the heat is on!

Adopt a Highway: Volunteer safety in Arizona, the heat is on!

Adopt a Highway: Volunteer safety in Arizona, the heat is on!

Adopt a Highway: Volunteer safety in Arizona, the heat is on!

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
June 21, 2022

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!