Litter in Missouri

Litter is not just unsightly, it’s also costly and harmful to the environment. Keeping Missouri’s highways clean is a shared responsibility of MoDOT, contract workers and many volunteers who help make a difference in how this great state looks to the traveling public. Every area kept free of litter allows MoDOT to devote resources to other much-needed areas.

Litter Statistics

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MoDOT works with the Department of Corrections to use incarcerated crews to assist in litter pickup on state highways. However, there has been a dramatic decline in inmate work hours since 2018. As of 2026, MoDOT currently has only 10% of the inmate labor hour pool statewide than in 2018.

Inmate Work Hours

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Litter Video

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Litter Related Campaigns

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.

Sponsor-A-Highway

Groups, organizations and businesses can sponsor a highway in the Kansas City and St. Louis areas and pay a private company to clean up litter on their behalf. MoDOT is looking to expand this program ...

No MOre Trash!

Missouri’s statewide litter-prevention campaign, working to clean up Missouri and make it a litter-free state through education, prevention and cleanup programs.

Trash Can Contest

MoDOT’s annual contest in partnership with the No MOre Trash! campaign to raise awareness and discourage littering. The contest is geared toward Missouri public school and homeschool students grades K...