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State asks for volunteers for Sept. 11-25

POLK COUNTY—The North Carolina Department of Transportation is asking residents to participate in its annual fall litter sweep that will run from Sept. 11-25. 

Residents are being asked to clean up trash along roads during the Adopt-A-Highway Fall Litter Sweep this year. 

The state holds litter sweeps every April and September, with volunteers to remove litter from roadsides. The Town of Columbus participated in a large litter sweep in April with area neighborhood associations also participating. 

State officials ask that volunteers from local businesses, schools, nonprofits, churches, municipalities, law enforcement and community groups participate to help keep North Carolina’s roads clean. 

“Since this year began, NCDOT and our partner organizations have picked up more than 8.5 million lbs. of litter,” state roadside engineer David Harris said. “We need everyone’s help to keep that momentum.” The litter sweep is a great opportunity to get outdoors with family and friends and work alongside NCDOT to ensure North Carolina remains a beautiful place to live and work.” 

Volunteers for the litter sweep can get free supplies such as trash bags, gloves and safety vests from their local NCDOT office. Polk County’s NCDOT maintenance office is located in Columbus. 

State officials are encouraging volunteers to follow COVID-19 safety guidance by wearing face masks and gloves and keeping 6 feet apart from other volunteers. Anyone who has been recently diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 should refrain from participating. 

People can sign up with a new online form. 

For more information, people can visit the Litter Sweep web page or call 919-707-2970.