This April, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is doing a bit of spring cleaning along state highways. Each year, MDOT spruces up state roadsides by hosting clean-up and litter prevention events around the state. With Earth Day recognized on April 22 and April designated as Keep America Beautiful Month, this is the perfect time to pick up litter along state highways and encourage others to keep their communities clean and litter-free.
In partnership with Keep Mississippi Beautiful, MDOT holds Trash Bash events across the state each year as part of the national Great American Cleanup campaign. Since 1989, the Trash Bash has drawn the public’s attention to the negative impact of roadway litter by allowing MDOT employees to step away from their normal duties for one day to pick up litter from highly visible areas. Thousands of bags of trash are removed from state roadsides every year as a result. MDOT employees hope to set a good example by participating in this community event.
“Each region of Mississippi is naturally beautiful, so please do your part to help keep it that way by always putting trash where it belongs – in a garbage can or recycling bin,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “Litter isn’t just unsightly; it negatively effects the environment, economic development, tourism and community pride. I encourage everyone to help solve this problem by simply not littering in the first place.”
MDOT also shared litter prevention information this month by participating in events at schools and communities around the state.
Trash Bash events were held in MDOT districts as follows:
District 1 – Lee County – April 30
District 2 – Panola County – March 19
District 3 – Yazoo County – April 9
District 5 – Newton County – April 23
District 6 – Jackson County -March 12
District 7 – Pike County – April 23
In addition to the events listed above, a Trash Bash event will be held in Jackson on April 24.
MDOT hosts litter prevention events for children and adults in communities year-round. To help reduce litter on Mississippi’s highways, set an example for others by using proper trash receptacles and securing your load before you travel.
To learn more litter prevention, visit gomdot.com/donttrashms and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and X.