Focus on the road ahead

Drivers are asked to focus on the road ahead, to keep Adopt-A-Highway volunteers safe. The WisDOT initiated the 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,” said WisDOT secretary Kristina Boardman. “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.”

Groups collected more than 170 tons of trash and recyclables in 2024. Nearly 5,500 volunteer hours were reported last year, to help pick up trash.

The WisDOT encourages more people to get involved. An 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 sixth 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, while county highway crews gather the bagged materials for proper disposal. As part of the program, the 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.

To learn more, visit wisconsindot.gov.