Aurora, In. — Officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation say the annual Trash Bash will be from April 15 through April 30. Trash Bash brings INDOT crews together with volunteers to beautify the state’s roadside areas by cleaning trash and debris.
INDOT urges individuals, organizations, businesses and active Adopt-a-Highway groups to join maintenance staff on two-lane roads with lower traffic volume anytime between Monday, April 15, and Tuesday, April 30, in an effort to beautify our roadside areas. During the first day, INDOT maintenance staff across the state will take a day away from their everyday tasks of maintaining the roads, bridges and roadsides to focus on litter collection.
In 2018, hundreds of INDOT employees joined forces with active Adopt-a-Highway groups and other organizations and individuals to collect 3,457 bags of trash, or the equivalent of 874 cubic yards.
Beyond volunteer and INDOT maintenance efforts, the agency is increasing investment in annual roadside maintenance from $19 million to $57 million to put more resources to cleaning and mowing along the state’s highways.
To be part of Trash Bash!, contact INDOT customer service at 1-855-463-6848 or by email at [email protected]. Volunteers will be connected with an INDOT Trash Bash! coordinator to receive:
- An assigned cleanup location;
- A briefing on roadside safety;
- Safety vests to be worn at all times;
- And trash bags
All trash bagged by volunteers will be collected and disposed of by INDOT crews.
While Trash Bash! is an annual, two-week event, INDOT offers opportunities for Hoosiers to help keep roadside areas clean year-round. The Adopt-a-Highway and Sponsor-a-Highway programs are great opportunities for volunteering, community service projects, and offer a highly visible option for showcasing your business or non-profit group.
Motorists are reminded to look out for work crews and volunteers along Indiana highways. When drivers encounter a work crew, they should slow down, be alert for changing traffic patterns, and always avoid distractions such as cell phones while driving.
