How to Start an Adopt-A-Road Program

You’ve seen them before, large signs along a roadway that state that this section of roadway has been adopted by an organization. You may have even witnessed a cleanup event in progress. But how does an Adopt-A-Road program work? How can you start one in your community?

The basis of an Adopt-A-Road program is to provide civic-minded groups a chance to give back to a community. Through litter collection along a selected stretch of roadway, groups assist the community in litter reduction and community beautification.

Participant Benefits of Adopt-A-Road Programs

The benefits to the groups that participate in Adopt-A-Road programs are numerous. These reasons include:

• Helping with litter control
• Preserving habitats
• Promotes civic responsibility and pride
• Promotes awareness to environmental responsibility
• Saves taxpayer dollars
• Draws attention to the group (with signage) and promotes a positive response to that group

Airmen Adopt a Local Roadway, by Rachel Ponder, APG News, CC by 2.0

However, if you are planning to start an Adopt-A-Road program, it is important to set it up correctly the first time. First, check with other communities that have one and find out the challenges and obstacles to avoid. Don’t reinvent the wheel.

Next, develop a policies and procedures guide. The policies and procedures guide provides the proper process for the program. It also can provide the legal basics for future decisions made.

Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

Adopt-A-Highway, Spruce up Colorado, Xnatedawgx, CC 3.0

Your community will also need a prepared set of safety rules and volunteer waiver forms. Here are a few examples from other communities:

Crystal Lake, IL – Webpage with YouTube summary video and links to application forms

Kentwood, MI – Simple webpage with combined PDF with application and waiver forms

Dekalb County, IL – Simple webpage with link to combined PDF with application and waivers

Grand Island, NE – Webpage with links to program information sheet, safety guidelines, and application form

Sikeston, MO – Typical Adopt-A-Street program page, but also lists participating groups, giving them more recognition

As always, when setting up a program like the Adopt-A-Road Program, it is best to run everything past your city attorney. Especially a program like this where you have volunteers walking around in your town’s right-of-way.

The setup of an Adopt-A-Road program may be daunting to consider at first. But if you run it correctly, it can be very beneficial to your community.