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As part of its litter removal efforts, including the ongoing Litter Sweep, N.C. Department of Transportation crews, contractors and volunteers have now collected more than 4 million pounds of litter from roadsides this year.

“Only a week in, and already the Spring Litter Sweep has helped tremendously in keeping our roadways clean,” said state Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette. “Keeping North Carolina clean requires everyone to do their part, whether that’s volunteering in the ongoing Litter Sweep or simply securing your load when you drive.”

NCDOT reports that the agency and its partners have removed 4 million pounds of litter since Jan. 1 and more than 1 million pounds since April 1.

North Carolinians who wish to help keep roads clean can volunteer for the ongoing Spring Litter Sweep, which runs until April 24.

NCDOT’s litter management programs are multifaceted. The department makes use of state-owned forces and contract services statewide.

NCDOT’s Sponsor-A-Highway Program allows businesses, organizations and individuals to sponsor litter removal along roadsides. NCDOT is also proud to partner with the more than 120,000 participants in the Adopt-A-Highway Program, where volunteers pledge to clean a section of our highways at least four times a year.

Litter is unsightly, costs millions of dollars to clean up and can hurt the environment, tourism and the state’s quality of life.

Organizers say everyone should do their part by:

• Securing their loads before driving. Unsecured trash can fly from a vehicle and end up as roadside litter.
• Holding onto trash until it can be disposed of properly. Keep a litter bag in your vehicle so you can properly dispose of trash later.
• Recycling when possible. Recycling protects the environment, saves landfill space and keeps the community clean.