JEFFERSON CITY – An official with the Missouri Department of Transportation has confirmed reports that the state’s longstanding “Adopt A Highway” litter clean up program has been discontinued.
MoDOT Communications Director Linda Wilson Horn indicated it was more of a transition in a reply to an email requesting information on the status of the program.
“The decision to transition was discussed publicly at the April 3, 2024, Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission meeting. Missouri’s Adopt-A-Highway program was suspended in May 2023 to perform a top to bottom review of the costs and benefits of the program. A recent adoption in St. Louis had raised concerns with the program.
“At the April 3 meeting, the detailed review was shared and its findings showed the costs and safety risks outweighed the program benefits. The analysis showed the average cost per bag of litter collected through the Adopt-A-Highway program is $42 per bag compared to the MoDOT staff pickup cost per bag of $18. Adopt-A-Highway costs account for MoDOT staff administration of the program, the signs and sign installation and the added costs for staff to pick up the bags left by the volunteers. Distracted driving continues to be a concern for safety on the road.
“The new Keeping Missouri Beautiful program will focus on having community groups do one time clean up events that are coordinated with the District Offices. Similar to the No MOre Trash Bash community events typically held in April, but these can occur year-round. MoDOT staff will work with the volunteer groups to organize the community events including advising them on a safe location, provide a safety briefing and even set up a work zone if that’s deemed appropriate.
“More information and how to request a volunteer community litter pickup event is available at www.modot.org/litter-cleanup
“Since the decision at the first of the month, MoDOT staff have been in the process of sending letters to every AAH group providing them information about the status of their three-year agreement. If they are beyond the three-years, their agreement has ended. There are also AAH groups who have one to two years remaining on their three-year agreement. They may continue in the program until that expires.”