RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina Department of Transportation is mobilizing volunteers across the state for its annual Fall Litter Sweep, a two-week campaign running from September 13-27 aimed at removing debris from roadsides statewide.
The initiative invites individuals, community groups, and businesses to participate in cleaning efforts that organizers say make a measurable impact on the state’s appearance and environmental health.
“Volunteering during the Fall Litter Sweep is a simple way anyone can make a visible difference,” said Jeremy Goodwin, NCDOT’s roadside environmental engineer. “Whether it is a quick walk or a full day of cleanup, your efforts help keep North Carolina cleaner, greener and more welcoming for everyone.”
Statewide Partnership Effort
The biannual cleanup program, which takes place each spring and fall, relies on collaboration between state agencies and community organizations. Keep North Carolina Beautiful serves as a key partner in promoting volunteer participation throughout the state.
Kyle Prairie, executive director of Keep North Carolina Beautiful, emphasized the collective impact of individual contributions. “At Keep North Carolina Beautiful, we believe small actions can add up to big change, and when communities work together to reduce litter and protect our environment, we create a cleaner, safer and more beautiful state for everyone.”
Support and Resources Provided
NCDOT will provide logistical support for volunteers through local county maintenance offices, which will supply necessary equipment including gloves, safety vests, and collection bags. Additionally, maintenance crews will dedicate one week to collecting filled trash bags from volunteer cleanup sites.
The department’s coordination ensures both volunteer safety and efficient waste removal from the collected areas.
Connection to National Initiative
This year’s Fall Litter Sweep serves as preparation for the Great American Cleanup, described as the nation’s largest community improvement initiative. Volunteers will continue their environmental efforts in October through partnerships with Keep North Carolina Beautiful and local Keep America Beautiful affiliate organizations.
The extended timeline allows communities to maintain momentum from the September cleanup through additional October activities.
Interested volunteers can find additional information and registration details on the NCDOT Litter Sweep webpage. The department encourages participation from all community members regardless of available time commitment, noting that both brief individual efforts and organized group cleanups contribute meaningfully to the statewide goal.
