Clark County is seeking volunteers to pick up roadside litter as a way to beautify the county.

To adopt a road, volunteers make a two-year commitment to pick up litter at least three times a year. The length of the adopted roadway may vary, but typically most sections are about two miles.

In addition to litter pickup, Clark County may approve weed control, graffiti removal and other roadside work.

The county will provide all supplies and equipment for cleanup events, as well as post signs recognizing volunteer groups along adopted roadway sections.

Most individuals or groups are eligible to participate in the program, as long as their name does not endorse or oppose a candidate or advocate a position on a specific legal issue, initiative, referendum or legislative proposal.

Each set of volunteers must designate a group leader who will reserve cleanup kits, ensure all necessary forms have been submitted and complete other responsibilities.

- Adopt-a-Road application (PDF)

Safety first

Safety rules are important to protect participants during cleanup events. Rules that volunteers must follow include:

• Wearing safety vests at all times.
  
• Placing a “Volunteer Litter Crew Ahead” warning sign facing traffic ahead of the work area.
  
• Cleaning only one side of the road at a time and facing oncoming traffic.
  
• Refraining from wearing headphones while working.
  
• Marking and reporting any hazardous materials or items, such as chemical spills, broken glass, drug paraphernalia and dead animals.
  
• Wearing appropriate clothing, namely pants, thick-soled shoes or boots, and gloves.
  
• Performing cleanup activities during daylight hours and when weather is conducive to good visibility.

- Complete list of safety rules (PDF)

Roadways available for adoption

Adopted roadways will be county roads in unincorporated Clark County. The program does not apply to federal and state highways, city streets or private roads.

Clark County already has identified about a dozen road sections suitable for adoption.

- Roads available for adoption (PDF)

Volunteers also can request to adopt other road sections. Public Works will assess the proposed section for road shoulders, sight distances and other safety considerations before deciding whether to approve the request.

More information

Karen Llewellyn, Volunteer Program Coordinator
Clark County Public Works
(360) 397-6118 ext. 1627
Karen.Llewellyn@clark.wa.gov