Minnesota Department of Transportation

511 Travel Info

Adopt a Highway

A program that turns community involvement into cleaner roadsides

What is the Adopt a Highway Program?

Adopt a Highway Volunteer Program infographic
Adopt a Highway volunteer program infographic (PDF)

The public can volunteer and participate in Adopt a Highway to pick up litter along Minnesota’s state highways.

Adopt a Highway also enables residents who are environmentally conscious to make a personal contribution to a cleaner environment.

How does it work?

Community groups, churches, individuals or businesses adopt a highway by picking up litter on both sides of a road at least two times per year for at least two years.

Benefits of volunteering

  • Keeps roadsides beautiful and free of litter
  • Public service project for groups and families
  • Shows that Minnesotans care about their state
  • Saves taxpayers money

Volunteer options

  • Adopt a Highway or Rest Area: Volunteers sign agreement with MnDOT to adopt a section of state highway or designated rest area and commit to pick up litter at least twice a year.
  • Pick a Highway: Pick a Highway is a one-time litter picking activity on an assigned segment of state highway.

MnDOT will provide bags, approved safety vests, training and bag retrieval. You contribute approximately four hours of labor. Contact an Adopt a Highway coordinator for details.