WHAT IS THE LITTER
GRANT PROGRAM?
The Litter Grant program, in addition to other programs such as Adopt-A-Highway, the Litter Hotline, Keep Tennessee Beautiful, and the Nobody Trashes Tennessee campaign, helps TDOT build partnerships and provides a comprehensive, impactful solution to keep Tennessee clean.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has been actively combating roadside litter through its Litter Grant Program since 1983. Established with funding from Tennessee’s soft drink and malt beverage industries, the program provides financial assistance to all 95 counties in Tennessee. These grants support initiatives, including litter and tarp law enforcement, cleanup and recycling events, litter prevention education campaigns, and collaborations with organizations like Keep Tennessee Beautiful and TDOT’s Nobody Trashes Tennessee campaign.
TDOT allocates approximately $5.5 million annually through the Litter Grant Program, which has remained consistent since 2017. The funds support both litter pickup operations and education initiatives to prevent litter. For detailed information on the program’s annual activities and financial allocations, you can refer to the TDOT Litter Grant Annual Reports. These reports offer comprehensive insights into the collection and utilization of funds dedicated to litter abatement and prevention across Tennessee.
2024 Litter Grant Annual Report (PDF)
HOW THE LITTER GRANT PROGRAM WORKS
The Litter Grant Program is open to all 95 counties in Tennessee, offering annual funding to assist in litter abatement and prevention initiatives. These grants provide valuable resources to counties looking to enhance their litter cleanup and prevention efforts. Local governments and nonprofit organizations can leverage these grants to provide the resources needed to:
By securing grant funding, Tennessee counties are able to strengthen their environmental impact and create lasting solutions for litter reduction.
HOW YOUR LOCAL GRANTEES CAN HELP YOU?
Affiliates and grantees are essential partners in your community’s litter reduction efforts, offering resources and specialized expertise. They can link your local organization with funding opportunities, tools, and networks that amplify your work. Beyond financial support, grantees can provide valuable guidance in planning litter cleanups, sharing existing educational programs, and even helping to address littering issues in your community. By collaborating with these partners, you can tap into their experience, ensuring that your efforts and those of your community are as efficient and impactful as possible.