Focus on the road ahead to keep Adopt-A-Highway volunteers safe
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (Wis-DOT) reminds drivers to focus on the road ahead to keep Adopt-A-Highway volunteers safe. WisDOT initiated the Adopt-A-Highway program in 1991 to allow groups to volunteer and directly support the state’s anti-litter program. These volunteers routinely collect trash and recyclables along Wisconsin roads.
“We are grateful to the thousands of Wisconsinites who generously volunteer each year to pick up trash and recyclables along the roadside,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “For nearly 35 years, Wisconsin’s Adopt-A-Highway program has truly blossomed as nearly 15,000 volunteers participate in the program each year. Their pride to keep our state beautiful should inspire all of us to properly dispose of trash.”
In 2024, Wisconsin Adopt-A-Highway groups collected more than 170 tons of trash and recyclables. Nearly 5,500 volunteer hours were reported last year to help pick up trash. WisDOT encourages more people to get involved. Our interactive map shows highway segments maintained by Wisconsin’s 3,000 Adopt-A-Highway groups, but more than 2,700 miles of state highway are still available for adoption.
Adopt-A-Highway workers are asked to clean up their assigned two-mile state highway segment at least three times per year. All volunteers must be at least 11 years of age or in the 6th grade on two lane highways and 16 years of age on four lane highways. No other persons should be on the work site. Each group must provide one adult supervisor for every five or six volunteers.
Automated forms on the Adopt-A-Highway website streamline reporting cleanup efforts. County highway crews gather the bagged materials for proper disposal. As part of the program, WisDOT furnishes safety vests, highway worker signs, a safety training video, trash bags, and two permanent signs identifying the group. Groups do not work in dangerous areas like medians, bridges or steep slopes.
WisDOT reminds drivers to buckle up, put the phone down and follow speed limits on Wisconsin highways, especially when these volunteer groups are working along the roadside.
Learn more at wisconsindot.gov/adoptahighway and watch a video about the Adopt-A-Highway program.
