TDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway program makes for the perfect business, group or family volunteer activity. Participating in the program gives you the opportunity to get outdoors, give back to your community and make a positive impact on the environment.

It’s a win, win, win!

WHAT WE ASK OF OUR GROUPS

We are on a mission to keep Tennessee roadways free from litter and other debris. To meet that goal, we ask groups to who adopt a highway to:

• Adopt two miles of roadway for at least one year. Check out our Adopt-A-Higway map to see what roadways are available.
• Conduct a total of four litter cleanups a year. One pickup per season is recommended, but groups can conduct cleanups more frequently if desired.

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY GROUP PERKS

Reducing roadside litter comes with many great perks, including:

• TDOT will provide volunteers with all necessary supplies and safety materials (trash bags, trash grabbers, gloves, caution signs and class 2 safety vests).
• Your group name posted on a recognition panel installed below the official Adopt-A-Highway sign.
• Opportunity to be named Adopt-A-Highway group of the month and receive recognition for your cleanup efforts if your group collects the most garbage in a month. Your cleanup group’s photo could also be featured in your local newspaper.
• Pride in knowing you are doing your part to help keep Tennessee beautiful.

HOW TO ADOPT A HIGHWAY

Ready to commit to litter prevention and keep our roadways beautiful?

Here’s how:

1. Designate a Group Coordinator so TDOT can keep your group updated regularly.
2. Complete an Application Form and register your group.
3. Work with a District Coordinator to assign your adopted route.
4. Follow the safety guidelines for litter pickups.
5. Report your activity so TDOT can pick up the trash your group collected.

Participating in the Adopt-A-Highway program isn’t just a fun way to get involved in your local community; it also significantly and positively impacts the environment, the wildlife, and the people who live there. 

Since 1989, thanks to the dedication and hard work of volunteers throughout the program’s run, we have collected over 12 million pounds of litter, according to tn.gov. These efforts have kept Tennessee looking beautiful, significantly reducing maintenance costs, and have increased litter prevention awareness across the state.

The impact is clear – cleaner roads, more community involvement, and helping to preserve Tennessee’s natural beauty. 

Let’s make a difference together!