The Mississippi Department of Transportation did a little spring cleaning in order to beautify highways along the Magnolia State.
With April being designated as “Keep America Beautiful Month,” MDOT held Trash Bash events statewide to encourage people to help crews pick up litter along highways as part of the Great American Cleanup campaign.
In collaboration with the Keep Mississippi Beautiful organization, MDOT looks to raise awareness of the impact of roadway litter by allowing its employees to step away from their typical duties for one day to pick up litter in highly visible areas.
More than a thousand bags of trash are removed from state roadsides every year as a result, officials report. MDOT employees plan to set a good example by participating in this community event.
“Trash belongs in garbage cans or recycling bins, not along state highways,” MDOT Executive Director Brad White said. “Thanks to recent Trash Bash events and the hard work of MDOT employees, quite a bit of litter has been removed from right of ways. Please do your part to keep our state clean and beautiful for residents and visitors alike.”
Trash Bash events were held in MDOT districts as follows:
- District 1 – Lee County (April 4)
- District 2 – Panola County (March 21)
- District 3 – Yazoo County (April 4)
- District 5 – Newton County (March 7)
- District 6 – Forrest County (April 11)
- District 7 – Pike County (April 18)
Another Trash Bash event will be held in Jackson on Tuesday, May 14.
MDOT hosts litter prevention events for children and adults in communities year-round. To help reduce litter on Mississippi’s highways, officials urge the public to use proper trash receptacles and secure loads before traveling.
