ALDOT Launches Inaugural Spring Clean Day to Combat Litter Issues in West Alabama

The Alabama Department of Transportation designated April 14 as Spring Clean Day, an inaugural event that will seek to address litter issues that affect Alabama roads.

According to a release from ALDOT, the event is apart of ALDOT's ongoing efforts to promote cleaner and safer roadways. The release said the eight districts within the West Central Region spend the day picking up litter on various routes.

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The release said from March 2022 to March 2023, approximately 50 tons of litter was collected from the full-time litter crew that is stationed in Tuscaloosa County.

ALDOT said $7.34 million was spent on litter cleanup throughout the state during fiscal year 2022, noting the money spent could have been better used to improve safety and maintain roads and bridges.

In the release, Wallace McAdory III, an engineer with the West Central Region, said he urges citizens to consider the impacts of their actions on the environment and encourage others to do the same.

"Litter can clog storm drains, pollute waterways and create unsafe driving conditions," McAdory said. "The economic costs of cleaning up litter are substantial and can impact tourism, property values and community pride."

ALDOT encourages all Alabamians to participate in the initiative by organizing litter cleanup activities and doing their part to keep Alabama beautiful, including:

• disposing of trash properly
• never throw anything out of the window
• carry a small trash in the vehicle
• properly secure loads when handling loose items.