JEFFERSON CITY – In 2025, MoDOT spent $13 million and 154,000 labor hours to remove litter from more than 385,000 acres of right of way along nearly 34,000 state highway miles.
That might seem like a lot of numbers but it represents a lot of trash. MoDOT doesn’t put the litter on the roads, but its crews are the ones responsible for picking it up, diverting time, resources and taxpayer dollars away from other important projects.
Keeping Missouri’s highways clean is a shared responsibility. MoDOT, contractors and volunteers work hard to pick up litter that shouldn’t be there. MoDOT is asking all Missourians to be responsible for securing loads and putting litter in its proper place.
There are litter-prevention resources available for those interested in supporting the ongoing beautification efforts:
• No MOre Trash! – Missouri’s statewide litter-prevention campaign includes educational tools, prevention tips and cleanup programs to help clean up Missouri roadways.
• Keeping Missouri Beautiful – MoDOT’s volunteer litter pickup program for Missouri state routes. Volunteer groups may sign up and perform one-time litter cleanup events that are coordinated through MoDOT’s district offices. MoDOT provides trash bags, safety vests and safety guidance before each event.
• Sponsor-A-Highway – Groups, organizations and businesses can sponsor a highway and pay a private company to clean up litter on their behalf. This program is currently only available in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas.
Contact your local MoDOT office about opportunities to volunteer and do your part to eliminate litter in Missouri.