SALT LAKE CITY — Utah officials are launching a new volunteer program in hopes of cleaning up roads throughout the state. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox helped launch the new “Keeping Utah Beautiful” volunteer litter program Thursday, cleaning up a stretch of highway.
The program, administered by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT), makes it easy for the public to go online and sign up for a one-time cleanup of state roads. The volunteer cleanups will supplement the work of UDOT crews, who regularly pick up litter across the state.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox cleaning up trash along a state road May 2, 2024. The state is launching a new volunteer program, “Keeping Utah Beautiful.”
Governor Cox said, “Serving others and giving back is the hallmark of who we are. Utah leads the nation each year in volunteerism, and I know many Utahns, including myself, will take advantage of this new opportunity to help maintain the beauty of our state.”
To participate in a cleanup, volunteers must be a minimum of age 14. To volunteer, visit UDOT’s “Keeping Utah Beautiful” website and click on a state road to clean up. Then, fill out the application form to indicate group name, number of volunteers, contact information, and preferred date of cleanup. Shortly after an application has been submitted, the applicant will receive an email with details on their cleanup.
To ensure volunteer safety, volunteers will not clean interstates or some state routes.
UDOT Deputy Director Lisa Wilson said, “Keeping litter off our roads not only keeps Utah beautiful, but it keeps Utah safe. This new program will make it easier than ever for Utahns to lend a hand and clean up our roads.”
UDOT maintenance workers will continue cleaning interstates and major state roads. The department spends an average of $2.3 million per year cleaning up litter.
To prevent litter from reaching Utah’s roads, UDOT recommends drivers properly secure items in their vehicles.
Wilson said, “All it takes is five minutes to properly secure your load. Litter is more than a wrapper or bottle flying out of a car window. The bigger issue, from a safety standpoint, is larger objects not properly secured falling out and causing crashes. Take the time to tie it down.”
The “Keeping Utah Beautiful” program replaces the Adopt-a-Highway program. Businesses can continue to support the “Sponsor a Highway” program which hires a professional litter cleaning company to perform pickup along Utah’s interstates.