Massachusetts is home to some of the most scenic highways in the Northeast, and because of our desire to keep our roadways clean and attractive, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has teamed up with private businesses and residents to create the Adopt A Highway Program.
This beneficial and exciting program offers groups a chance to team up to clean up.
The Adopt A Highway and the Adoptive Visibility Site programs are two proven examples of a successful partnership between the state and the private sector.
Adopt A Highway is a public service program in which each volunteer group adopt A two mile section of roadway and removes litter at least once a month from April 15th to November 15th.
Typically, these are roadways that Mascot feels are safe for private groups.
For interstates or heavily traveled roadways, visit ourwebsite@mass.gov/litter and review our Sponsor a Highway Program details.
In recognition of the group's efforts, Mass dot will install a sign at the site identifying the group or company for their contribution towards keeping Massachusetts clean.
Safety is the top priority when joining the Adopt A Highway program.
Your Mascot Adopt coordinator will go over safety guidelines, answer questions of the team, distribute safety vests, trash bags and litter grabbers.
Team members must be at least 11 years old.
Must be mentally alert and in proper physical condition with good eyesight and hearing.
Group should meet at a central location.
Carpool to the site to limit the number of vehicles on the roadside.
When parking at the cleanup site, park all vehicles on the same side of the roadway that the crews are working.
Park at least 10 feet from the shoulder surface when possible.
When picking up litter, make sure you face oncoming traffic and stay at least 10 feet from the roadway at all times.
Be sure to dress for the occasion.
The safety vest provided to you must be worn at all times.
Also, we recommend light colored clothing, long pants, protective shoes and gloves.
Wear long sleeves and sunscreen to protect you from the sun.
We also suggest you apply insect repellent.
Work should be done during daylight hours and in good weather.
Don't work during periods of icy weather or reduced visibility.
Be certain to watch your footing, avoid holes and other obstacles, and stay off steep slopes.
Remember, when you team up to clean up, it should be fun.
Avoid over exhaustion and drink plenty of water.
Bring along a first aid kit and know where the nearest hospital is in case of emergency.
Most importantly, go over all safety guidelines before every litter cleanup.
Proper planning will ensure a fun and successful cleanup.
There are many things you should never do.
Don't purposely distract drivers in any way.
Don't cross travel sections of roadway.
Don't attempt to pick up items on bridges, tunnels, medians or overpasses.
Don't pick up broken glass, discarded syringes, dead animals, or hazardous materials.
If you have any questions about the material you encounter, contact your Mascot Adopt Coordinator.
Pay attention to what's going on around you and do not listen to music or talk on your cell phone with headphones.
Alcohol, illegal drugs and horseplay of any kind are not allowed.
Team members should steer clear of mowing operations, maintenance or construction activities.
Trash bags should not be overfilled.
Crushing trash to make more room can cause injury.
When bags are ready for pickup, pile them together alongside the roadway near your group's Adopt A Highway sign.
The group leader should contact your mascot Adopt coordinator for trash pickup.
The cleanup is important, but remember safety is the top priority.
The Adoptive Visibility Site Program allows Adopt groups the same chance to enhance the beauty of our rotaries, Rest stops on and off ramps, and other major sites along our roadways.
In recognition of your time and effort, Massdot will install a sign at the site identifying the group or company.
Many of the safety guidelines we've discussed regarding the Adopt A Highway program also apply to the Adoptive Visibility Site Program.
Adoptive visibility workers, however, should be extra cautious, keeping in mind the use of large machinery and tools.
Adopt A highway and adopt A visibility sites are more than just clean up programs.
Each will serve as a great morale booster for your group.
Team members take charge, pitch in and take pride in their work to keep our roadways beautiful.
Massdot thanks each volunteer for making our state a better place to live.
Team up to clean up with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.