Adopt-A-Highway

Missouri’s AAH and Sponsor-A-Highway programs are suspended in order to perform a top to bottom review of the programs. While they're under review, no applications will be accepted, and no signs will be placed on the system.

Since 1987, Missouri's Adopt-A-Highway program has involved volunteers across the state working together to clean up Missouri.

Since 1987, Missouri's Adopt-A-Highway program has involved volunteers across the state working together to clean up Missouri. Currently, more than 5,300 groups and 50,000 volunteers in the program are focused on making Missouri’s roadsides cleaner and more attractive for our residents and visitors. More than 6,400 miles of roadway have been adopted.

Adopter groups include commercial and private enterprises, civic and non-profit organizations, families and individuals. In 2023, MoDOT spent $13.6 million to remove litter from more than 385,000 acres of right of way along nearly 34,000 state highway miles. 

Adopters perform about $1 million a year in litter cleanup and beautification efforts. Every area kept free of litter by adopters allows MoDOT to devote resources to other much-needed tasks.

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Adopters cleaning highway

Report Litter Cleanup

Report your Adopt-A-Highway or Sponsor-A-Highway Activity here.

Report Activity
Adopters have four options:
  1. clean up litter
  2. mow
  3. beautify through landscaping 
  4. Grow Native! by planting native Missouri wildflowers and grasses
Litter Clean-Up Adopters must:

adopt at least 1/2 mile of urban roadside or two miles of rural roadside

  • collect litter at least four times a year
  • sign a three-year agreement
  • submit an activity report to MoDOT
  • follow all safety procedures

MoDOT provides adopters with a certificate of appreciation, a safety training video, safety materials, and a sign with the group’s name posted on each end of the adopted highway section. MoDOT provides trash bags and pick up and disposal of the bags of collected litter.

No MOre Trash!

In 2002, MoDOT helped establish No MOre Trash!, a litter-prevention campaign that encourages people to stop littering by educating them about the negative impacts of litter. 

Types of Adoption and Recognition

Find a list of the ways you can help keep Missouri roadways beautiful through the Adopt-A-Highway program.

Common Questions

Check out frequently asked questions and answers about MoDOT's Adopt-A-Highway Program.

No MOre Trash!

No MOre Trash!, a litter-prevention campaign, is working to clean up Missouri and make it a litter-free state through education, prevention and cleanup programs.

Current Adopters:

Report your pickup activity by clicking HERE.

Sponsor A Highway:

Want to help with litter prevention but would prefer to be a sponsor? Click HERE.