Each year, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is forced to spend $4 million on litter pickup – a persistent and preventable problem.
“Not only is litter expensive, but it takes us away from more important roadwork,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.
Statewide last year, ODOT spent $4 million picking up 42,572 bags of trash. That money could be used to purchase 28 new snowplow trucks, pave a 28-mile 2-lane road, or install 160 culverts.
Fortunately, ODOT does get aid from local volunteers, including its more than 1,400 Adopt-A-Highway groups.
ODOT’s Adopt-A-Highway groups – at least one in each of Ohio’s 88 counties – clean a two-mile section, or interchange, a minimum of four times a year for two years. Last year, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers pick up 20,000 bags of trash, saving ODOT $130,000.
ODOT also pays for guards from state prisons and county jails to monitor inmates working to pick up litter.
Groups wanting to adopt a section of highway or an interchange can apply by clicking here.
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