Adopt-A-Highway Program

Tompkins County Highway Department began its Adopt-A-Highway Program in 1992. The Program was initiated to provide for litter pick-up along County roadsides, and for the opportunity for roadside beautification by volunteer organizations.

Downsizing and other priorities have made it nearly impossible for full-time highway staff to collect roadside litter as part of spring cleanup or general roadside maintenance. Volunteer organizations are able to provide a service to the public that otherwise could not be provided by highway staff. Through their efforts, volunteer groups are able to demonstrate community service and esprit de corps.

The Program has been a clear success, with current participation by 60 groups from around the County. These groups currently collect the litter from almost 100 miles of County Roads. Roadsides are less littered, and removal of objects along the roadside provides both a safer and cleaner environment for motorists, bikers, and pedestrians alike.

We have additional County Routes available for Adoption. Please email us with questions and what area you would like to adopt.

Please contact us by email: Adoptahighway@Tompkins-co.org

Information Booklet(PDF, 14MB)

GENERAL PROGRAM GUIDELINES

1. Any non‐profit or profit‐making non‐partisan organization or group may enter into an Adopt‐A‐Highway (AAH) Agreement.

2. The organization will be permitted to perform roadside maintenance activities on designated roadways during daylight hours. 

3. The Agreement is for a two‐year (2) period.

4. The organization may adopt any section of available County highway. The average minimum length of an AAH highway segment is one (1) mile.

5. The minimum age of participants without adult supervision is 16 years. One adult supervisor will be provided by the organization for every six (6) minors between the ages of 12 and 16, and one adult supervisor for every three (3) minors between the ages of 10 and 12.

6. The organization will place provided orange trash bags along the adopted highway to be picked up and disposed of by Tompkins County Highway forces on the next available working day. Trash bags will be provided by Tompkins County Highway Department for pick up at our office location: 170 Bostwick Road Ithaca, NY 14850.

7. The suggested minimum frequency of pickup along highways is two (2) times per year, with the first pickup occurring in April‐May “Spring Cleanup” time period.

8. All participants will sign the General Release Form.

9. Tompkins County Highway Department will install an Adopt‐A‐Highway sign at the beginning and end of each section of adopted highway.

10. The Department will publicize the execution of each Agreement and will highlight it at various periods thereafter.

11. The Organization will be required to designate one (1) member as Coordinator. The coordinator will communicate the clean-up event dates and sign agreement documents with the County, every two (2) years. 

12. The safety guidelines will be provided by Tompkins County and reviewed by the Organization by the designated organization coordinator before each pickup. All participants must attend a safety briefing before participating in the cleanup efforts. 

13. All participants are required to wear a traffic safety vest (provided by the Tompkins County Highway Department). Work signs will also be provided and utilized during clean up events. 

If you have any questions about the Adopt A Highway Program, please contact us by email: Adoptahighway@Tompkins-co.org