Fact Sheet: U.S. Adopt a Highway Program

The “Adopt a Highway” program started in Texas in 1985 with the campaign slogan “Don't Mess With Texas” and is now active in 49 of the 50 U.S. States as well as Puerto Rico. The program is managed on a state level and provides an opportunity for organizations or businesses to clean up sections of a highway or, in high traffic areas where it is too dangerous, sponsor the clean-up which is done by professionals. In exchange for regular litter removal, the organization's name is posted on its section of the highway. Most states have quarterly cleanup cycles, volunteer safety training and issue reflective vests and equipment. Other countries such as Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan have also developed similar “Adopt a Highway” programs based on the U.S. model.

For more information on the original “Adopt a Highway” program, please see: http://www.dontmesswithtexas.org/