An Update on Adopt-a-Highway

There continues to be plenty of interest in our Adopt-a-Highway program.  As of October 2023, there are 93 active volunteer groups cleaning up litter on state highways – the most ever since the inception of the program.  Eleven new contracts were added this year and a few more are pending.

All groups must ensure that all of their volunteers complete mandatory safety training before approval.  NJDOT requires groups to conduct six cleanups each year and send in post-event data cards and photos.  As a result, NJCCC has a growing montage of photos of dedicated volunteers.   

So far this year, groups have devoted 263 hours to cleanups, with 549 bags of trash and 244 bags of recycling collected.  A total of 762 volunteers participated and cleaned 179 miles of state highways. 

Our volunteer groups have all reported a sizeable reduction in plastic bag litter, but also noted an increase in cigarette butts, small alcohol bottles and car parts, said Pam Montague, Adopt a Highway Coordinator.