Approximately 1,400 volunteer groups are actively involved in WSDOT's Adopt-a-Highway program
Over 5,000 shoulder miles are cleaned up by volunteer groups - that's about one-third of Washington highway shoulders
Over 460 Washington volunteer groups have kept their adopted sections for over 10 years
Approximately 600 tons of litter are removed from Washington roads every year- that's over 38 million aluminum cans!
Businesses, clubs, fraternal organizations and schools are the most common volunteer groups. Other groups are from churches and families or are even individual citizens.
Thousands of miles of roadway statewide are available for adoption
What is Adopt-a-Highway?
The Adopt-a-Highway program is an anti-litter and roadside clean up campaign intended to promote pride and local ownership in Washington State. Signs are located on roadways statewide, recognizing the many volunteers that spend time picking up litter on the roadside.
The Adopt a Highway program:
- Keeps the state clean
- Helps taxpayers save money by having volunteers pick up litter, rather than paid work crew
- Reminds people not to litter
How does it work?
Participating groups agree to clean up an "adopted" section of highway two to six times a year (depending on the highway and volume of anticipated litter) for at least two years. WSDOT will supply litter bags and safety materials. Typically, the assigned sections include two to four miles of roadside and may be of the participant's choosing or one suggested by the coordinator. Safety of the participants is the primary concern in determining where sections are assigned. Sections are assigned on a first come, first serve basis and waiting lists are maintained for the more popular areas or sections.
After pick up, volunteers send in an activity report describing the hours worked- this secures medical insurance for the volunteers and alerts WSDOT crews that litter bags are ready for collection and disposal. One person is designated as the “crew leader” to contact if the local coordinator has questions. A highway sign recognizing volunteer groups is installed along the adopted section of highway within six to eight weeks after the final agreement is signed.
If you would like to adopt a highway on a Washington State highway, please contact the local coordinator for your area. The coordinator will send you more information about the program, let you know what areas are available and help with the agreement form if your or your group decides to get involved.
Why Adopt?
Washington is the Evergreen State- and we want to keep it that way. The condition of Washington State roads is a reflection on us, the people who live here. Adopting a highway shows pride in the state and it’s a great way to show that you and your organization care.
Litter is not only unattractive; it can be a traffic hazard if it blows into the view of drivers on the highway. Litter is also harmful to the environment. Did you know it takes over one million years for plastic and Styrofoam containers to decompose?
You can get involved in Adopt-a-Highway with your business, club, organization, school, religious group or family. For more information, contact your local coordinator.