COLUMBUS, OH -- Ohioans are encouraged to help keep their communities and roadways clean by participating in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) "Plant Pride, Not Litter" Adopt-A-Roadway program.
"Volunteers play an important role in helping keep Ohio's roadsides looking good," said Ron Kolbash, chief of the ODNR Division of Recycling & Litter Prevention. "Thanks to volunteers, not only do their efforts enhance the environment and beautify the community for all, but they also help ease the financial burden on local governments during difficult economic times."
A recent statewide litter study found that 11,700 tons of litter is dumped along Ohio roadways each year. Cleaning up this litter costs taxpayers at least $2.3 million annually, the Ohio Department of Transportation reports.
Part of the award winning statewide "Plant Pride, Not Litter" campaign, the Adopt-A-Roadway program encourages groups and individuals to adopt a 2-mile stretch of roadway and commit to cleaning the roadway twice a year for two years.
In 2003, Recycle, Ohio! Grant communities enlisted the help of 95,000 volunteers to clean up 5,922 sites and remove 890,000 pounds of debris from Ohio's roadways.
Seven counties, along with the Ohio Township Association and County Commissioners' Association of Ohio, joined the state this spring in supporting the Adopt-A-Roadway program. By summer's end another eight counties will be on board, including Athens, Ashland, Huron, Wayne, Richland, Mahoning, Preble and Cuyahoga.
"The County Commissioners Association of Ohio is excited to be partnering with ODNR in promoting this worthwhile program," said Larry Long, the association's executive director. "The need to keep Ohio litter-free is evident and the "Plant Pride, Not Litter" Adopt-A-Roadway program is an easy way for individuals, families and organizations to make a difference in their communities."
Ohioans interested in participating in the Adopt-A-Roadway program are urged to contact their local recycling and litter prevention program or solid waste district. A directory of local solid waste professionals as well as the Ohio Statewide Litter Study can be found on the ODNR website at ohiodnr.com