PHOENIX – Hundreds of miles of Arizona highways are up for adoption, and state transportation officials said they think it could be something to think about as 2025 approaches.

As a New Year’s resolution, why not adopt a highway?

“Civic-minded individuals, families, religious groups, clubs and others taking part in Adopt a Highway receive two-year permits to clean up roadside litter on their highway segments, usually a mile in each direction,” Arizona Department of Transportation officials stated in a release.

“They agree to pick up litter at least once a year and preferably three or more times a year. ADOT provides reflective vests, litter bags and safety training.”

Each stretch has a recognition sign bearing the Adopt a Highway group’s name. Many groups’ signs pay tribute to loved ones and other reasons they decided to get involved. 

Adopt a Highway volunteers make a difference in Arizona, according to ADOT.

During 2023, nearly 9,000 people in 850 Adopt a Highway volunteer groups filled more than 15,000 bags with roadside litter, mainly outside of metropolitan areas. The dollar value of the volunteers’ work: $674,000.

For more azdot.gov/adoptahighway.