Adopt A Highway

Program Details

  • Individuals or groups adopt a two-mile section of highway for two years and are responsible for road side litter removal on both sides of the road.
  • Litter removal must be performed a minimum of two times per year. It’s recommended to perform litter removal once in the Spring and again in the late Summer or early fall. Some sections of road may require more cleanup depending on litter in the area. Litter removal events must be documented by submitting a pickup report to the area coordinator following each event. MDT staff will remove bagged litter from roadsides after each event.
  • MDT provides safety vests, trash bags, and litter removal ahead signs prior to each litter removal event. These items must be returned to MDT following each event.
  • After the first litter removal event is completed, MDT will post the groups sign on each end of the adopted section to recognize their efforts. Signs will be posted after the first litter removal event.
  • Agreements must be renewed every two years. Area coordinators will contact the adopting group leader for renewal 30 days prior to the end of the agreement. Failure to report litter removal events, submit the required renewal paperwork, or maintain current contact information for the group leader may result in agreement termination. Signs are removed 30 days after agreements are terminated or relinquished.

For groups interested in sponsoring a highway, read the Sponsor A Highway information.

Sign Information

Group signs are placed below the standard Adopt A Highway sign shown. Group signs may only consist of text and are determined at the time of adoption. Signs hold up to 14 characters per row (including spaces) and may be one or two rows. All sign text is subject to department approval and must comply with the sign design standards in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Adopt a Highway sign with demonstration of how the adopter's name will display

How to Get Involved

Ready to commit to litter prevention and keep our roadways beautiful?

  1. Designate a Group Coordinator so MDT can keep your group updated.
  2. Find a route of unadopted road on our Adopt-A-Highway Interactive Map
  3. Contact the Area Coordinator listed with any questions.
  4. Complete an Application/Renewal Form and register your group.
  5. Follow the safety guidelines for litter pickups.
  6. Report your activity so MDT can pick up the trash your group collected.

Resources

Forms
Safety Guidelines for Group Leaders & Volunteers
FAQs
Litter Information
Map of Adopted and Available Highways

Area Coordinators

Find your area coordinator:

map of MDT Maintenance divisions

Missoula Area | Claire Franquelin | 406-523-5800 | Email

Kalispell Area | Aerianna Enghusen | 406-751-2000 | Email

Butte Area | Diane Ryan | 406-494-9600 | Email

Bozeman Area | Carrie Hargis | 406-556-4700 | Email

Great Falls Area | Karen Carroll | 406-454-5880 | Email

Havre Area | Cassie Ladenburg | 406-262-5500 | Email

Glendive, Wolf Point, Miles City Areas | Alicia Brown | 406-345-8200 | Email

Billings Area | Diana Walker | 406-252-4138 | Email

Lewistown Area | Kelly Hays | 406-538-1300 | Email

Benefits for Our State

trash can icon

Litter Reduction
Cleaner highways make Montana more beautiful. Well-maintained roads keep drivers safe too because they reduce the risk of incidents and ensure smoother journeys for everyone.

costiconCost-Efficiency
Volunteers in the Adopt-A-Highway program directly save taxpayers money. Taking action lifts the financial burden from the state. MDT doesn’t have to rely solely on state funds for cleanup because of your efforts.

icon of people standing togetherCommunity Engagement
The Adopt-A-Highway program strengthens community bonds and inspires civic pride. Whether it’s a local business, school group, or family, Adopt-A-Highway unites people under one common goal: preserving the beauty of Montana.

icon of hand holding a sprouted plantEnvironmental Impact
Removing litter prevents harmful pollutants from breaking down into dangerous microplastics. You are not only helping protect our rivers, lakes, and wildlife but also ensuring that Montana’s natural habitats stay healthy and thriving.

Economic Boosticon of hand holding a sprouted plant
Clean roads and scenic views aren’t just a pleasure to look at – they also make Montana a top destination for visitors. A well-maintained environment attracts tourists, encourages them to return, and also contributes to the state’s economic growth.


Sponsor A Highway Program

Sponsor a Highway sign

Program Details

  • Individuals or groups sponsor litter removal along a one-mile section of highway for two years.
  • Contractors perform litter removal on your behalf.
  • Sponsorships are not managed by MDT and are subject to the terms of the program.
  • Signs may include logos and text.

How to Sponsor

  1. Find an available one-mile section from our Adopt-A-Highway Interactive Map
  2. Then contact Adopt A Highway® Maintenance Corporation to get started.

Learn more about sponsoring a highway.