ODOT: $4 Million Spent Annually on Litter Pick-up, Volunteers Lessen Cost

ODOTEach year, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) spends $4 million on litter pick-up – a preventable problem. Instead of litter, they say that money could be used to pave roads, buy snowplow trucks or install guardrail or culverts.

“Not only is litter expensive, but it takes us away from more important roadwork,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray.

Statewide last year, ODOT spent $4.3 million picking up 371,500 bags of trash.

ODOT’s more than 1,400 Adopt-A-Highway groups – at least one in each of Ohio’s 88 counties – clean a two-mile section, or interchange, a minimum of four times a year for two years. On average, Adopt-A-Highway volunteers pick up 25,000 bags of trash, saving ODOT $280,000.

Groups wanting to adopt a section of highway or an interchange can apply by clicking here.

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