COLUMBUS, OH - Seven Ohio counties have committed to keep Ohio's roadways clean, reinvigorating the state Adopt-A-Roadway Program, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Allen, Delaware, Jefferson, Lorain, Marion, Ross and Trumbull counties have joined in an Adopt-A-Roadway partnership with the state, along with the Ohio Township Association and the County Commissioners' Association of Ohio.
The Adopt-A-Roadway Program is part of the ODNR award-winning "Plant Pride, Not Litter" education and awareness initiative. Volunteers adopt two-mile stretches of roadway in their county, which means they commit to cleaning it twice a year for two years. The stretches are marked at the beginning and end with a sign.
"This reinvigoration of the Adopt-A-Roadway Program is happening at a very critical time," said Ron Kolbash, chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention. "Local governments might not have the financial resources to clean up litter, and volunteer programs are essential during these difficult times."
The counties work with local solid waste districts and recycling program representatives to identify roadways to be adopted and recruit volunteer groups. Those wishing to volunteer in the program should contact their local recycling and litter prevention office. The new "Plant Pride, Not Litter" Adopt-A-Roadway sign will soon be popping up along Ohio roadways. The Adopt-A-Roadway Program is similar to the Ohio Department of Transportation's Adopt-A-Highway Program, which focuses on interstates and state routes as oppose to county and township roads.