TPUUF is doing its part for the environment and has adopted a highway!

The Adopt-A-Highway program began in 1984 when James Evans, an engineer with the Texas Department of Transportation, saw litter blowing from a pickup truck in Tyler, Texas. Concerned about rising cleanup costs, he proposed that community groups volunteer to maintain sections of highway.

The idea gained traction in 1985 when Public Information Officer Billy Black launched the first official program in Texas.

Inspired by its success, PennDOT introduced Pennsylvania’s Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) program in April 1990. Since then, volunteers have helped keep roadsides clean—two miles at a time.

As of 2024, 4,670 volunteer groups, representing more than 129,000 participants, have adopted 9,243 miles of highway. They’ve collected over 38,000 bags of litter, helping protect wildlife, waterways, and local communities.

PennDOT estimates it would cost $524.07 per mile to maintain these roads using staff or contractors. Thanks to volunteers, the program saves approximately $7.4 million annually.

The program is open to civic, religious, charitable, and professional organizations, as well as businesses and families. Groups commit to cleaning a two-mile section of highway or intersection four times per year for two years.

PennDOT provides safety training, signs, and supplies, including gloves, trash bags, and safety vests. The department also collects the filled bags and installs signs recognizing each group’s efforts.

Volunteers must be at least 8 years old. Each group must include at least one adult (18+) for every eight minors, and all minors must have parental permission.