Adopt a Highway

Frequently Asked Questions

"So how do Adopt-A-Highway groups work?"
A group that wants to "adopt a highway" must agree to adopt at least two miles of highway and participate in four cleanups per year. A group leader must be chosen and an Adopt-A-Highway Agreement Form must be submitted and approved.

The group is committed for a two year period, then can either renew for another two years, or choose another section of highway if it wants to continue with the program.

The group's designated leader will work with the Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator for the county and the SCDOT Resident Maintenance Engineer. For information on the responsibilites of the group's designated leader, click here. Along with clean up responsibilities, the groups must complete safety training and fill out "report cards" that help us keep track of how well the program is working.

"What kinds of groups can adopt highways?"
Businesses, churches, schools, civic organizations and any other groups of this kind, who are willing to commit to the responsibilities and see that they are carried out, can be part of this program.

A group that wants to "adopt a highway" must agree to adopt at least two miles of highway and participate in three cleanups (or in some counties, four) per year. A group leader must be chosen and an Adopt-a-Highway Agreement Form must be submitted and approved.

The group is committed for a two year period, then can either renew for another two years, or choose another section of highway if it wants to continue with the program.

"What kinds of roads should we consider?"
Choose primary or secondary roads that have fairly low traffic volumes. The Resident Maintenance Engineer can help you find out whether your desired section of highway qualifies. Don't consider interstate highways or freeways, as these are not included in the program for safety reasons.

"What does this cleanup involve?"
At a prescheduled time on Saturday, the group will get together at the site. First, there will be a review of the safety rules, then the members of the group will pick up the litter along the right of way and bag it. SCDOT will provide safety vests and orange trash bags. Collected litter is left on site for pick up the following Monday by SCDOT personnel.

(Groups that cannot clean up on Saturday should make special arrangements with the Resident Maintenance Engineer and County Coordinator)

It is important at all times to follow safety rules, and not to try to handle any hazardous materials you may find.

After each cleanup, the group leader must fill out and submit a brief "report card" that tells us how litter was picked up so your group can get credit for its work. There are annual awards for groups that have done outstanding work. After the first cleanup, SCDOT will post a sign recognizing your organization's efforts to keep South Carolina beautiful -- with our heartfelt thanks.

"So how do we get started?"
If you feel your group might be interested in being part of something beautiful, talk with them to be sure enough people are willing to take on this important task. Then choose a leader for your group who can take on the responsibilities of working with the Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator and SCDOT personnel to handle the details involved in working within this program.

Then contact the volunteer Adopt-a-Highway Coordinator in your county. If you don't know that person's name, you can find out by calling Toll free at 1-888-226-9694, or click here to contact the Adopt-A-Highway office.

"If a group cannot commit to long-term litter pick-up, can they do a one-time pick-up?"
Yes, Our One-Time Litter Pick-Up Program allows groups an opportunity to participate in litter control without a long term commitment.

Follow the same process in signing up as regular Adopt-A-Highway participants do. Select a group leader and a section of highway not already in the Adopt-A-Highway Program, and submit an agreement form with signatures of all participants to SCDOT for approval two to three months prior to the scheduled cleanup date.

SCDOT will provide vests, bags and safety information. Your group must complete safety training and fill out “report cards” to report how much litter you picked-up.