RALEIGH — Take a break from yard work and join groups of volunteers from across North Carolina in keeping the state beautiful. The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program kicks off its Fall Litter Sweep on Sept. 16, and will run through Sept. 30.

Volunteers are provided cleanup supplies, such as orange trash bags, gloves and orange safety vests from their local NCDOT county maintenance office. Last year’s fall litter sweep removed 521,188 pounds of litter from roads and highways. To join the Litter Sweep effort, visit www.ncdot.gov/~littersweep.

“North Carolina is a more beautiful place thanks to the thousands of volunteers who donate their time every year,” said Don Lee, state roadside environmental engineer. “We cannot do this alone and their time and efforts ensure our state is a great place to visit, work and live.”

Volunteers from local businesses, schools, nonprofits and community groups work alongside NCDOT to help keep North Carolina’s roadways clean throughout the year. Adopt-A-Highway groups are encouraged to participate in the biannual litter sweeps which take place in the spring and fall, helping to increase cleanup and encourage the community to be good stewards of the environment.

Started in 1988, the Adopt-A-Highway Program helps decrease the amount of litter on the state’s roadsides and improves environmental beauty, quality and safety while saving taxpayer money. Roadsides can be adopted in all 100 North Carolina counties. Similarly to the annual litter sweep, groups commit to cleaning their designated roadways at least four times a year and are provided supplies by NCDOT. In 2016, more than 5,000 Adopt-A-Highway groups removed more than 2,700 tons of litter from nearly 10,000 miles of state roadways.

Businesses, individuals and other organizations can also participate in the state’s Sponsor-A-Highway initiative. In return for cleaning a one-mile stretch of highway, sponsors have their organization’s name or logo attached to the Sponsor-A-Highway sign.

Visit the Adopt-A-Highway or Sponsor-A-Highway websites for more information or to apply. Questions regarding the programs or applications can be directed to Kim Wheeless at 919-707-2974.