(April 22, 2015) – It’s time to put away snow plows and dump trucks and bring out the brooms and trash bags. Winter not only left potholes in its wake but unsightly litter on Maryland’s roads..  Spring brings out the best that our great State has to offer –bloomingflowers, seafood and recreational activities. Unfortunately, months of wintry weather and heavy rains have brought litter and other debris directly into view along Maryland’s roadsides and waterways.

 

With Earth Month underway, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) encourages residents and visitors to keep our roads litter-free.

 

“SHA asks for the public’s partnership in changing our state of MinD so that everyone knows littering is harmful to the environment and is never okay,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “Ongoing reminders about placing trash in the proper place and deterring others from littering are timely efforts that make a huge difference.”

 

A total of 28 shops statewide from the mountains of western Maryland to eastern beach-lined shores work to remove litter removal along State-maintained roads.  Each SHA dump truck can hold nearly 50 full trash bags, which are then taken to area landfills for disposal or recycling.  During the month of February (2015), State highway crews removed 374 truckloads of trash, totaling 18,700 bags statewide.

 

“Removal of litter and trash from state highways is one of several important ways in which SHA works to accomplish its mission of providing a safe, well-maintained and attractive highway system,” added Peters.  “SHA applauds the work of hundreds of Adopt-A-Highway volunteers and the many businesses that sponsor litter removal on major roads. We welcome more participants to partner with us through one of our programs.”

 

Clean, attractive highways create a positive image that enhances Marylanders’ quality of life, area neighborhoods and community wellness.  It also supports state and local economic development efforts.  SHA has two programs that allow for partnerships in litter removal and beautification effort.  Join us as we work together to keep Maryland litter-free!

 

Adopt-A-Highway:
Founded in 1989, the Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) program allows community and civic organizations to adopt a one to three mile segment of State secondary routes and remove litter. Known as a great community service activity, Maryland currently has 323 groups statewide that are committed to litter removal. A Boy Scout Troop in Severna Park, Anne Arundel County performed the first litter pickup in April 1989. Groups receive a sign with their name displayed along their adopted route.  If you are interested in adopting a segment in your county, visit the Adopt-A-Highway Program page to learn more. 

 

Sponsor-A-Highway Program:
Started in 2005, the Sponsor-A-Highway Program (SAH) allows area businesses to sponsor litter removal along Maryland’s primary highways, such as interstates and major US or state routes. To date, 110 sponsors are participating in the program statewide, and have collected 91,311 (1,826 truck loads) from 309 sponsored segments. 

 

The SAH Program is a unique opportunity for businesses to serve area communities. Sponsoring groups, such as corporations, offices or local businesses, may contract with a SHA pre-approved maintenance provider to pick up litter along a section of highway on their behalf. SAH participants are recognized with a sign with their logo. To date, the SHA program has saved $2.76 million in funds that are redirected to other critical activities.  Click here to learn more about the Sponsor-A-Highway Program.   

 

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