Adopt a Highway

Litter push removes 11,000 pounds of roadside garbage in Tucson region

Litter push removes 11,000 pounds of roadside garbage in Tucson region

I-17 101 traffic interchange

Litter push removes 11,000 pounds of roadside garbage in Tucson region

Litter push removes 11,000 pounds of roadside garbage in Tucson region

August 25, 2021

Interstate 10 on south side is a hotspot for littering

TUCSON - In an unprecedented push to remove roadside garbage and debris, 42 Arizona Department of Transportation employees from southern Arizona were recently able to pick up 11,000 pounds of trash and bulk items.

ADOT personnel from Casa Grande, Coolidge, Nogales, Oracle, Three Points, Tucson, and St. David cleaned up a stretch of Interstate 10 from Rita Rd. to Kino Blvd.; a distance of about 11 miles. This portion of the highway is a hot spot for roadside garbage and debris and the cleanup required approximately half of the available ADOT South Central District maintenance staff. 

“We did this because of an overwhelming amount of roadside garbage and debris on ADOT right-of-way,” said Highway Operations Supervisor Fernando Murrietta. “The problem isn’t just how much litter there is, but how it gets there. People throw trash from their vehicle and it’s ADOT crews who live and work in southern Arizona who pick it up. We are part of the solution because we’re cleaning up other peoples’ messes.  Things would be much better if people would be more respectful of the environment.”

Maintenance personnel are available to perform cleanup duties as part of their ongoing work, but their primary responsibility is safety-related work such as guardrail repair, pavement maintenance, right-of-way fence repair to keep livestock off roadways and other similar jobs. 

In addition to ADOT employees, trash cleanups are conducted by volunteer groups as well as state prison inmate crews. Inmate crews have not been available due to COVID-19 restrictions in prison complexes, but are now beginning to return to roadside duties. 

For more information about the ADOT Adopt a Highway program: azdot.gov

 

Registration open for National CleanUp Day

Registration open for National CleanUp Day

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Registration open for National CleanUp Day

Registration open for National CleanUp Day

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
August 18, 2021

The Adopt a Highway Volunteer Program welcomes you to make a positive difference on National CleanUp Day, Saturday, Sept. 18. Adopt a Highway volunteer groups and one-day permits are invited to participate and register

In 2020, more than 330 Adopt a Highway volunteers collected 4.3 tons of trash in one day. That's triple from the previous year and we hope to meet or beat that record with your help.

Permitted volunteer groups or those interested in conducting a one-time cleanup may register to participate now. 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.

For existing Adopt a Highway Volunteer groups or one-day permit holders that decide to keep their permit for two years, this event counts toward your annual cleanup requirement!

All groups must report litter bag totals and number of volunteers to ADOT within three days after the event. ADOT tracks litter data each year to help improve the program and share the accomplishments of 4,700 volunteers. Groups reporting this important information receive a printable certificate of appreciation for participating. 

The Adopt a Highway team plans to visit as many volunteer groups on-site as logistics allow. If your segment is along our route on Sept. 18 we will contact you prior to National CleanUp Day. 

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

Thank you for considering ADOT for National CleanUp Day participation—an opportunity to unite and reduce litter. Visit Adopt a Highway for more information about the program. 

At this time we are asking volunteer group leaders and all volunteers to respect guidelines for social distancing during cleanups. Keep groups as small as possible as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Arizona, Keep It Grand!

Adopt a Highway: A littered life

Adopt a Highway: A littered life

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Adopt a Highway: A littered life

Adopt a Highway: A littered life

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
August 16, 2021

I wasn’t born on this highway but I have lived here a long time. There are many others like me—some in worse shape.

A raging fire went through recently. That was tough on everyone. Some like me but not as resilient, did not survive. Those of us remaining said that was for the best. It seems that no one pays attention these days or takes a second look anyway.

The winds of change may take me down the road to my next home or near a river. I’ve moved along the highway and lived near streams and puddles for many years. I wouldn’t say thriving— simply living forever.

Why wouldn’t anyone give me a second chance or lift me up? I want to be where I belong. Where I can end my mission and possibly start over, ending a 200 year or more lifespan as an unwanted piece of trash.

At least compared to our lifetime, plastic bottles live forever. Paper products may burn away during unfortunate events caused by humans and mother nature. Plastics, metal cans and other tossed items just don’t go away. They live along highways and streams to clog waterways and storm drains as described in the short story.

If you want to help prevent another littered life check out the Adopt a Highway Volunteer program and the Adopt a Highway News.

Save the Date: National CleanUp Day on Saturday, Sept. 18

Save the Date: National CleanUp Day on Saturday, Sept. 18

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Save the Date: National CleanUp Day on Saturday, Sept. 18

Save the Date: National CleanUp Day on Saturday, Sept. 18

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
August 6, 2021

Welcome one and all! Whether you are an existing Adopt a Highway volunteer group or want to pitch-in for one day.

National CleanUp Day is Saturday, Sept. 18. Only weeks away, this 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 a registration message and link in the coming weeks. Adopt a Highway volunteer groups and others requesting a one-day permit will have the opportunity to register for the cleanup.

All groups are required to report litter totals within 3 days of the event. Last year 331 Adopt a Highway volunteers came out around the state. A combined effort of many individuals succeeded in collecting more than 1.3 tons of litter.

At this time we are asking volunteer group leaders and all volunteers to respect guidelines for social distancing during cleanups. Keep groups as small as possible as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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, you will receive advanced notification prior to National CleanUp Day.

We'd love to see and share your National CleanUp Day group photos on social media. Please use the hashtag #NationalCleanUpDay and tag your photos with @ArizonaDOT. Send us your group photos and include your Adopt a Highway sign in the background, for possible use in an upcoming ADOT blog.

Thank you for considering National CleanUp Day on Saturday, Sept. 18 as an opportunity to help reduce litter along state highways.

Arizona, Keep It Grand!

Adopt a Highway: Outstanding volunteers beautify Interstate 40

Adopt a Highway: Outstanding volunteers beautify Interstate 40

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Adopt a Highway: Outstanding volunteers beautify Interstate 40

Adopt a Highway: Outstanding volunteers beautify Interstate 40

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
July 19, 2021

“I think a more rewarding return for this type of event is the relationships people can build and maintain by participating in a common outdoor activity for the day.” 

That’s what John Riordan had to say about his participation as a volunteer in the Adopt a Highway program and adopt a section of Interstate 40 near Flagstaff. “This stretch of highway is adjacent to my employer, W. L. Gore & Associates, so I was typically driving this section everyday, prior to 2020,” Riordan said. “It was a short drive, mostly along the highway, and I noticed the trash building up and it got to the point where I decided to take action.”

Riordan’s home has been in Flagstaff for over 12 years now. “I love the outdoors, nature, wildlife, and the many awesome experiences it has to offer. We need to treat our land with respect and preserve it for future generations.” 

I asked what the motivator was for the overwhelming participation. “Picking up trash is simple, but it can impact many people who drive these sections—Flagstaff sees millions of visitors and tourists every year and I wanted to try and help them have a more positive experience when coming to see our beautiful part of the country.”. 

What makes this particular group “outstanding” is the commitment to clean up their adopted segment three or more times a year, indicated by the additional placard shown in the photo to the left. 

Participating since 2018, W. L. Gore & Associates, offers its employees the added perk of paid volunteer time that has helped enable 67 associates to clean up more than 400 bags of garbage over the last two years. 

“Once you decide to organize a cleanup event, by sending calendar invites, colleagues can easily add it to their schedule which helps increase participation,” Riordan offered. “Don’t be afraid, ADOT has made this program so easy to participate in, they have made it simple, safe, and personally rewarding.”

After 11 employees signed up for a cleanup event, the group decided to adopt two more miles in the area last December. 

Jeanne Sunda, ADOT permit coordinator who’s managed the program in the Northcentral District for 11 years said, “Eight hours of volunteer labor and 82 bags of  trash removed from the state right-of-way in one day is more than any group in the Northcentral District has done in one day since I have been coordinating the district’s volunteer program.” 

The area maintenance supervisor, Tod Skinner, remembered that it took more than two fully loaded dump trucks to move the trash to the dump. Large pieces such as a bicycle and a baby car seat were collected on this stretch of Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff. These items are bulky and can be dangerous to motorists if not secured properly. Traveling at freeway speeds can loosen moving straps and allow items to end up along the highway or worse, in moving traffic. 

ADOT tips a hat to all the volunteers and the generous support of W.L. Gore & Associates for turning heads with its major volunteer effort.  

You can join the ranks of 120 Outstanding Volunteer groups across Arizona in these three easy steps:

  1. Contact us about joining the program in your area;
  2. Conduct three or more cleanup activities per year with your Adopt a Highway group;
  3. Tell us about it. Report the number of trash bags your group collects during each cleanup to the Activity Report. Every bag counts in the effort to keep Arizona grand!

Adopt a Highway: What are those Adopt a Highway signs all about?

Adopt a Highway: What are those Adopt a Highway signs all about?

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Adopt a Highway: What are those Adopt a Highway signs all about?

Adopt a Highway: What are those Adopt a Highway signs all about?

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
July 13, 2021

You may have noticed them while traveling on the interstate, state highways in Arizona. Adopt a Highway recognition signs bearing the name of a volunteer group, a loved one memorialized or a local business sponsoring litter cleanup are all along our roadways. 

The signs represent the adopters or caretakers of a two-mile segment of state highway. Volunteers who represent those signs are a priceless resource that helps keep Arizona’s highways clean. 

Filled blue bags that are spotted in the shadow of an Adopt a Highway sign or lined up nearby are a sure sign of recent volunteer activity, and an unfortunate reminder of the volume of trash that accumulates along highways.

The Arizona Department of Transportation manages two litter abatement options for volunteers. Volunteer signs vary too and are explained a bit more here:

The Adopt a Highway Volunteer program applies to civic-minded individuals, families, churches and other groups who may receive a two year permit to clean up roadside litter on segments of roadway deemed safe for volunteers. Groups reporting three or more cleanups per year receive Outstanding Volunteer Status as shown in the photos. 

Volunteer groups may submit a request for a sign bearing the name of the group. One clean up is required prior to ADOT placing a group recognition sign. Group leaders are given instructions for contacting the nearest maintenance facility to pick up litter bags and safety vests to be used during ADOT cleanups.

ADOT maintenance crews count on groups to notify them of the date of the cleanup and how many bags of trash were collected. An ADOT crews is then dispatched to pick up and dispose of the filled

bags. 

The Adopt a Highway Sponsor program is geared toward civic-minded individuals and businesses that will contract directly with a program approved maintenance provider to clean roadside litter for a fee. Sponsor adopted segments include urban area highways that experience a large volume of traffic and litter, and are unsafe for volunteers. Sponsor program signs are recognized by the full color business logo. Contracted maintenance crews collect litter on behalf of the sponsor at the adopted segment and dispose of the collected litter as part of the adoption agreement.

Nearly 23.7 billion pieces of litter are left on 8.3 million miles of roadways in the United States equaling 2,855 pieces per mile. This equates to about 73 littered items per person nationwide.

We invite you to be a part of positive change by joining a volunteer or sponsor program to help keep our highways beautiful. Please contact us for more information.

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers make lemonade

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers make lemonade

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Adopt a Highway: Volunteers make lemonade

Adopt a Highway: Volunteers make lemonade

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
July 1, 2021

It is summertime in the Southwest. No better time to think about fresh lemonade, which reminds me of the proverbial phrase spoken by optimists. 

Volunteers are some of the most optimistic people I have met. As sure as Independence Day approaches, volunteers are making lemonade—at least in the metaphorical sense. 

The items shown in the photo collected by the Prescott Litter Lifters are the type of Americana collected along state highways. We'll call them lemons for today's story. Lemons are not the menacing paper and plastic variety of litter, but the type of lost items that might have something interesting to say if they could speak. Like an elf hat. Would Santa’s elves intentionally toss their crowning glory roadside on State Route 286? We don’t know, but that's where the making lemonade part comes in.

Some of these items will never see a landfill. That’s pretty good news and a great feeling for volunteers who collect hundreds of bags of unsalvageable refuse. Reuse and recycle is a common thread among volunteers who clean and refurbish lost items. Lots of metal pieces and tools found roadside are given new life and a renewed purpose.

As for the ballpoint pen in the photo—if it still works, I'll take it to replace the one that I misplaced. The basketball and other sporting goods might get a second chance at a road trip. This time cinched-down in a truck bed with a net to prevent a three-pointer into traffic. It happens.

ADOT celebrates Adopt a Highway volunteers who collect all varieties of trash from along state highways. Your service is a big part of what our nation celebrates each Fourth of July. Thank you for your continued optimism and for making lemonade when possible. I raise my glass to you. 

Stay safe and healthy this summer during litter collection events. Pack plenty of water and watch out for each other along busy highways. 

Considering a volunteer opportunity? Visit Adopt a Highway for more information about adopting a two-mile segment along a state route in your area. 

If you live in Phoenix and would like to help reduce litter in your neighborhood, visit My Beautiful Phoenix. Tucson area residents can check out Tucson Clean and Beautiful. The Maricopa Association of Governments also focuses on keeping roadways clean through its Don't Trash Arizona campaign.

Arizona, Keep It Grand!

Adopt a Highway: Judie’s 20-year memorial on State Route 69

Adopt a Highway: Judie’s 20-year memorial on State Route 69

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Adopt a Highway: Judie’s 20-year memorial on State Route 69

Adopt a Highway: Judie’s 20-year memorial on State Route 69

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
June 28, 2021

Inspiration can be found in many places. One Adopt a Highway volunteer found hers on a road trip between Peoria and Eden - Arizona that is.

When Lina Rodriguez would travel to see her mom, along the way she saw Adopt a Highway Volunteer signs. The signs she passed inspired a memorial adoption. Rodriguez thought adopting a highway might be a good way for a group of friends and colleagues to honor a dear friend, Judie Ackerman, who was killed by an impaired driver. That was twenty years ago.

This year on May 1, the Arizona Department of Transportation honored Rodriguez and her group of volunteers for two decades of volunteer service. The memorial sign, “In Memory of Judie Ackerman," is located on State Route 69, south of Dewey-Humboldt in Yavapai County. 

“I have an awesome group of ladies that help clean every year. It can vary from 4 to 16 participants. It is almost always, ladies only, because we then head into Prescott and spend the night. It is our ladies getaway weekend since we are all from the Phoenix area,” Rodriguez said. “We all enjoy cleaning the highway because once we are done we have a sense of accomplishment knowing that we are helping our beautiful state of Arizona to stay beautiful.”

If you are interested in caring for a segment of highway in memory of your loved one, please visit the Adopt a Highway website to learn how. 

Adopt a Highway: Few words, many memories on Memorial Day

Adopt a Highway: Few words, many memories on Memorial Day

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Adopt a Highway: Few words, many memories on Memorial Day

Adopt a Highway: Few words, many memories on Memorial Day

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
May 28, 2021

On this Memorial Day, a special thank you to Adopt a Highway Volunteer program groups – over 400 statewide, who gather at adopted segments during the year to clear litter in remembrance of beloved family members, both human and furry. Expressing honor by serving the community is a choice ADOT understands and appreciates. 

Traveling northbound toward Show Low on US 60, watch for a mile dedicated to Melissa Pomeroy. For the past three years, Melissa’s sign greets motorists at mileposts 334 and 335. Melissa unexpectedly passed in 2014 at the age of 49, but her twin Michelle keeps her sister’s memory alive within their family. Since 2018, Michelle has participated in the Adopt a Highway Volunteer program and organizes cleanups a couple times a year, mostly with family members. 

South of Florence Junction at SR 79 milepost 144, a memorial sign stands at attention to a brave young Marine.

Brodie Denow was committed to serving his country, as his Marine mom does by helping keep Arizona grand and litter-free.

Headed to Payson? The family of Jonathan T. Orcutt adopted a segment to care for on SR 87 at milepost 189 near Fountain Hills in remembrance of their son. Jonathan’s family clears litter along this segment more than three times per year, which is proudly displayed on the Outstanding Volunteer Placard below the recognition sign in the photo. 

Adopt a Highway recognition signs hold a maximum of 40 characters to express the name of the volunteer group, which may include a sentiment and name.

“Sometimes, expressing how you would like the sign to read in 40 letters can be a challenge. Adopt a Highway permit coordinators understand and will gladly assist volunteer group leaders to maximize a memorial sentiment printed on the sign,” said Mary Currie, the Adopt a Highway program manager. 

In Arizona littering is getting worse. If you are interested in caring for a segment of state highway, we welcome civic-minded groups and individuals that are interested in helping to reduce litter in Arizona by gathering as a group to collect litter a few times per year. Please visit the Adopt a Highway website to learn how.

Adopt a Highway: Picture this - if you’ve got the time, we’ve got the miles

Adopt a Highway: Picture this - if you’ve got the time, we’ve got the miles

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Adopt a Highway: Picture this - if you’ve got the time, we’ve got the miles

Adopt a Highway: Picture this - if you’ve got the time, we’ve got the miles

By Mary Currie / ADOT Communications
May 13, 2021

Arizona has no shortage of breathtaking views. More than 27,000 ADOT-maintained miles leads millions of travelers to experience roadside destinations this summer. Many of those getaway spots are enjoyed worldwide on the pages of Arizona Highways Magazine.

Along many roadways, accompanying those double-take views are eyefulls of litter. Professional and mobile photographers alike make photo op adjustments to miss the mess. No memorable backdrops with a majestic saguaro and plastic bag clinging to 200-year-old  spines. Shuffle the group left to miss a cigarette butt carpet crafted from illegal dumping. You get it – litter is ugly and doesn’t go away on its own. Even banana peels take about two years to decompose. 

In a nutshell (those take about three) ADOT has lots and lots of adoptable miles. If you’ve got the time and moxy to pull together a small or large army of volunteers to help put those photogenic moments back in summer travel we’d love to hear from you. 

If you are a lover of cigarette butt murals, please apply here. Participating in the Adopt a Highway program will supplement your artist media free of charge while you help keep it grand! If cigarette butts are not your thing – no worries, there are plenty of trash varieties and other treasures to collect too. 

Thank you to the 1,200 volunteer groups and 4,758 individuals who support the Adopt a Highway Volunteer program. Your helping hands continue to make Arizona a top choice for landscape photographers.