Make a difference – adopt a highway

Make a difference in your community and help the environment at the same time – join the Adopt-A-Highway program in Kansas.

The goal of the program is to clean along the roadways throughout the state to increase safety for motorists and pedestrians as well as improve the beauty of Kansas. This helps to raise awareness on the negative effects of pollution and the positive aspects of a clean community.

Any non-profit group that does not discriminate upon the basis of race, religion or gender can join and there is no cost to the group. Members must be at least 11 years old and have adequate adult supervision. Groups have clean-ups three times a year and are recognized for their efforts with signs marking their sections of highway.

Adopt-A-Highway groups are gearing up for the annual Clean Up Kansas Campaign which takes place during the month of April. This event, as well as the program, is sponsored by the Kansas Department of Transportation. 

All Adopt-A-Highway groups are encouraged but not required to participate in the statewide event.

Groups clean their sections of roadway three times a year at their convenience. Most choose to schedule a clean-up time in the spring, summer and fall.

For more information, contact the KDOT office in your area (listed below). Ask for the Adopt-A-Highway coordinator in the KDOT office located closest to you.

Volunteers should have the following qualifications before heading out:

• Good physical condition, including sight and hearing.
• Mental alertness, don’t participate if you are tired or drowsy.
• A sense of responsibility for the safety of the public and the crew.
• A willingness to use good common sense.
• Group members must be 11 years old and have adequate adult supervision

Once you join

• Most highway sections are two miles long. Groups that adopt a Kansas highway must agree to remove litter at least three times a year for two years per their convenience.
• There is no cost to join the group – KDOT provides trash bags and safety vests.
• Please contact your KDOT office before a scheduled cleanup.
• Volunteers should only pick up litter along one side of the highway at a time and only work during daylight hours.
• It is encouraged that volunteers carpool to the destination to reduce the number of vehicles and only park in the recommended areas.
• Wear bright and light clothing with long sleeves if possible. Also wear a hat, sunscreen insect replant and proper footware.
• Be alert. Be aware of traffic at all times and if you see any suspected toxic/hazardous chemicals or dead animals, DO NOT try to handle or remove them. Notify your nearest KDOT office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, or local police department.
• However you decide to get involved it’s important to be safe while helping your community. For more tips, check out the Adopt-A-Highway website.