The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is inviting residents to participate in three upcoming Adopt a Highway volunteer events, including National CleanUp Day on September 20. The program aims to involve both individuals and groups in efforts to remove litter from state highways.
Registration for these events is available through the ADOT website at azdot.gov/adopt-a-highway/events. Along with regular volunteers, ADOT will issue one-day permits for people who want to join the cleanups on designated highway stretches during National CleanUp Day.
Those unable to attend the September event can participate in additional cleanup days scheduled for Groundhog Day on February 2 and Earth Day on April 22. All three dates will feature organized group cleanups in the Phoenix area.
“Whether you’d like to volunteer on your own or with friends, please visit azdot.gov/adopt-a-highway/events to register for events that start with National CleanUp Day on Saturday, Sept. 20. In addition to encouraging current Adopt a Highway volunteers to take part in National CleanUp Day, we’ll provide one-day permits to clean up designated highway stretches so everyone can join in,” ADOT stated.
ADOT noted that participants must be at least 12 years old, and minors under 18 need parental or guardian supervision. The department highlighted that students may be able to earn service credits through their involvement.
“Can’t make National CleanUp Day? We’re also encouraging Adopt a Highway cleanups and welcoming one-day participation on Groundhog Day (Monday, Feb. 2) and Earth Day (Wednesday, April 22).
ADOT is organizing group cleanups in the Phoenix area on all three of these days. So feel free to sign up for those if the spirit moves you,” according to ADOT.
In 2024, nearly 900 groups comprising almost 8,000 volunteers participated in the Adopt a Highway program and collected over 10,400 bags of litter along Arizona highways. Participants receive two-year permits allowing them to regularly maintain roadside segments considered safe for volunteer activity—usually about a mile each way—mainly located in rural regions.
“ADOT Adopt a Highway volunteers make a big difference throughout the year. In 2024, nearly 900 volunteer groups with nearly 8,000 volunteers removed 10,400 bags of litter along state highways. Civic-minded individuals, families, religious groups and others receive two-year permits to clean up roadside litter on highway segments, usually a mile in each direction and largely in rural areas, that are deemed safe for volunteers,” said ADOT.
