Spring cleaning doesn’t just apply to homes and businesses. Each year, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (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. 

More than a thousand 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.

“Keeping Mississippi’s highways clean isn’t just for aesthetic purposes – it’s about environmental responsibility, economic development and community pride,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “I’m proud of MDOT’s litter prevention efforts, and I encourage everyone to help solve this problem by simply putting trash where it belongs – in a garbage can or recycling bin.”

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.