Every day, people across Tennessee make a difference with one shared goal: to keep our roadways clean, safe, and beautiful. Among these everyday environmental heroes are TDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway groups, a dedicated network of volunteers committed to litter prevention and community pride.
Who Are Adopt-A-Highway Groups?
Adopt-A-Highway groups are made up of volunteers from neighborhoods, workplaces, churches, schools, or clubs who take ownership of a section of highway and commit to maintaining it. These volunteer groups commit to cleaning up along their designated two-mile stretch of roadway at least 4 times per year. The Tennessee Department of Transportation supports its efforts with safety vests and pick-up materials, as well as the proper disposal of collected litter.
Meet a few of the groups who are doing their part to keep our state clean and beautiful:
The Ford Retirees Club group
They have been cleaning up their stretch of Highway in Lenoir City since 2005. They are one of the longest-running Adopt-A-Highway groups.
American Legion Post 190
One of the newest groups to join the Adopt-A-Highway program here in Tennessee is American Legion Post 190 in Dunlap. They’re off to a great start and we look forward to seeing more photos of their cleanups.
Team RWB
The Clarksville/Fort Campbell area is lucky to have a group called Team RWB which stands for Team Red, White & Blue. They work to enrich the lives of veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. Thank you for your service!
Memphis Partnerships Advocates for Community Development
These men are part of MPAC, the Memphis Partnerships Advocates for Community Development. MPAC is a broad-based community group in Memphis and Shelby County working toward housing solutions and community-based initiatives. And they participate in Adopt-A-Highway too! Their route is along Highway 64.
Why Their Work Matters
The impact of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers stretches far beyond making sure Tennessee stays beautiful. Here’s how these groups are making a real difference:
- Reducing pollution: Litter picked up from roadsides keeps it from ending up in rivers, lakes, or storm drains.
- Protecting wildlife: Animals often mistake litter for food or become entangled in it.
- Saving TDOT funds: Volunteer cleanups reduce the need for state-funded cleanup crews.
- Fostering community pride: Clean roads reflect strong, engaged communities.
A Commitment to Clean Communities
Adopt-A-Highway groups don’t just show up once—they commit for the long term. Each cleanup is an investment in their stretch of road and in Tennessee’s future. Whether it’s a scout troop, a civic club, or a group of coworkers, their dedication inspires others to take pride in the places we live and travel.
How to Get Involved
Want to make a direct, visible impact in your community? Joining or starting an Adopt-A-Highway group is easy. TDOT provides safety training, vests, and bags, and even picks up the filled trash bags after your cleanup.
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit nobodytrashestennessee.com
- Click on Adopt-A-Highway
- Fill out the interest form and select your preferred route
- Start making a difference!
Recognizing Tennessee’s Roadside Champions
Every cleanup makes a difference, and we’re grateful for each group that puts in the time and effort to keep Tennessee beautiful. If you’re part of an Adopt-A-Highway group, we want to celebrate your work! Share your cleanup photos on social media and tag @NobodyTrashesTennessee or use #NobodyTrashesTennessee.
