More than 1,000 volunteers across the state joined forces last month to remove 46,067 pounds of litter in their communities as part of the first ever No Trash November, a month-long initiative created to ensure Tennessee roadways are safe from the harmful effects of litter in advance of increased holiday travel.
The initiative, spearheaded by TDOT's litter prevention campaign, Nobody Trashes Tennessee and in partnership with Keep Tennessee Beautiful affiliates and Adopt-A-Highway groups, far exceeded its goal of removing 20,000 pounds of litter from the state’s roadways.
All told, 1,001 volunteers participated in 56 cleanups, collecting 2,180 bags of litter and 2,501 pounds of large items. Special recognition was given to Keep Kingsport Beautiful for collecting 12,270 pounds of litter and the Appalachia Dam Watchers Adopt-A-Highway group for collecting 7,726 pounds.
“Our partners are passionate about keeping their communities clean,” said Denise Baker, transportation program supervisor, Highway Beautification Office, TDOT. “We knew that by coming together, we could make a big impact. We encourage all Tennesseans to keep up the momentum by taking personal responsibility for the litter in their own neighborhoods and by participating in local cleanups or the Adopt-A-Highway program.”
The campaign kicked off on Nov. 5 with a cleanup at Tennessee State University with 125 student-athletes, coaches and faculty, and also included a middle and high school student video contest.
“Litter on our public roads is more than an eyesore. It’s an enormous burden to the state with impacts on public health and safety, the environment and the economy,” said Shawn Bible, manager, Highway Beautification Office, TDOT. “We are beyond thrilled to have more than doubled our goal and are grateful to our many partners and volunteers that held cleanups in their communities during No Trash November as we continue to strive for a litter-free Tennessee.”
Learn more about the state’s litter reduction and education efforts and how to join the movement to end littering at NobodyTrashesTennessee.com. Two ways to get involved include the Adopt-A-Highway Program and reporting littering incidents through the Tennessee Litter Hotline (1-877-8LITTER).