Adopt-a-Highway
Campaigns and outreach
Adopt-a-Highway is a Texas-born program that allows volunteers to adopt stretches of state-maintained roadways to conduct litter pickups. The Texas Department of Transportation launched the program in 1985, and it has grown into an internationally recognized litter-prevention effort, saving taxpayers’ dollars and keeping our rights of way clean.
Interested volunteers can apply online or reach out to their local coordinator for more information. Approval is subject to Adopt-a-Highway Program and Signage Guidelines.
Interstate and high traffic highways are not eligible for the Adopt-a-Highway program. The Sponsor a Highway program provides the option for sponsorship of busy roadways.
Get involved
Submit an application.
It’s our volunteers who keep this Texas-born program going strong, and your help is needed now more than ever. Participation is simple:
- You adopt a two-mile stretch of highway for a minimum of two years. Note: Interstate highways and frontage roads are not eligible for adoption.
- You agree to pickup litter four times per year.
- Adopt-a-Highway acknowledgement signs will be posted with your group’s name at your adopted section.
- TxDOT will provide your volunteers with safety vests, litterbags and safety signs.
- You bask in the glory of claiming a piece of Texas pride.
Who should adopt?
Individuals, families, youth organizations, businesses- large and small, civic and non-profit organizations, religious groups, fraternities, sororities, and school. Everyone should take pride in our beautiful state and Adopt-a-Highway.
Memorial adoptions
Individuals and groups can adopt sections of roadway to memorialize individuals who have died as a result of a collision on the state highway system. The recognition sign may include the phrase “in memory of,” the name of the person in whose memory the section is adopted, and the name of the adopting group. Please contact an Adopt-a-Highway coordinator for more information.
Why adopt?
- Texas is growing by leaps and bounds, and the surging population means more cars on our roadways and, unfortunately, more trash.
- Volunteer efforts significantly reduce litter cleanup costs and save taxpayers money.
- It's a free, easy way for groups to help beautify their communities.
- Motorists respond. Seeing volunteers at work resonates with would-be offenders.