Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is inviting communities and groups to adopt local roads, waterways, parks and other areas to help keep them litter free as part of the KPB Adoption Program.

PennDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway Program is also available to adopt state maintained roads.

Although we have not seen many signs of spring, you probably have caught glimpses of the trash lining our roads, neighborhoods and waterways. It’s never too early to start planning a spring cleanup of the places you care about.

The KPB Adoption Program can help residents, organizations, civic groups, and businesses be part of the solution.

By joining their statewide adoption program, local areas such as municipal roads, communities, parks, neighborhood blocks, greenways, waterways and trails can be formally adopted and cared for by local individuals or groups. 

The commitment is two cleanups per year and in-turn, the organization provides a sign recognizing the group’s efforts.

According to Keep America Beautiful’s 2009 National Visible Litter Survey and Litter Cost Study, litter clean-up costs the U.S. more than an estimated $11.5 billion each year with municipalities spending more than $790 million and counties spending $185 million each year. 

The Keep PA Beautiful Adoption Program helps mitigate the costs associated with cleaning up by encouraging local residents to take ownership of our neighborhoods.

Keep PA Beautiful provides a sign recognizing the groups or individuals who have adopted the road or area and seeks the support of the local municipalities to provide the sign post, install the sign and provide trash disposal options, as needed.

“Many communities depend on volunteers to clean up litter. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful works hand in hand with local municipalities and counties to provide residents with the tools and resources they need to keep our communities clean and beautiful,” said Shannon Reiter, President of Keep PA Beautiful. “Our adoption program encourages partnerships between local residents and municipalities to work together to reduce the amount of litter in our shared spaces. We are grateful for the support of municipalities and volunteers across the state.”

The benefits of removing roadside litter are far-reaching. It sends a message to travelers that littering and dumping will not be tolerated, removes dangers to people, animals and equipment, makes our communities more attractive for residents, tourists and potential newcomers and increases property values and community pride.

So, after this long winter, get outside and do something that will make you and your neighborhood feel good. Adopt an area you care about today. 

For more information, visit the KPB Adoption Program webpage or contact Stephanie Larson by sending email to: slarson@keeppabeautiful.org or call 724-836-4121 x104.

For information about adopting a state maintained road, visit the PennDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway Program webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful website. Click Here to become a member.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from KPB, Like them on Facebook, Follow on Twitter, Discover them on Pinterest and visit their YouTube Channel.

Also visit the Illegal Dump Free PA website for more ideas on how to clean up communities and keep them clean and KPB’s Electronics Waste website.

Sign up now for the 2019 Great American Cleanup of PA and volunteer or set up your own cleanup and beautification event runs March 1 to May 31.

NewsClips:

Litterbugs Pick Up And Pay Up In Pennsylvania

Everything You Need To Know About Litter And Illegal Dumping In Philadelphia

Allegheny CleanWays Tackles Illegal Dumping While Making Community Connections

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[Posted: Feb. 21, 2019]

2/25/2019