Adopt A Highway

The Maryland Department Of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) Adopt-A-Highway Program lets community groups show their state pride and keep the Free State litter-free. Keeping our roadways free from litter and debris improves the health of our environment. It enhances the experience of driving in Maryland - for both residents and visitors. Since the Adopt-A-Highway Program started in 1989, MDOT SHA has partnered with more than 120,000 Marylanders who have cleaned over 15,000 miles of roadside.

How the program works

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Adopt-a-Highway Small businesses and other MDOT SHA approved organizations may participate in this program. Recognition of tourist related facilities is acceptable. Groups agree to adopt a one-mile stretch of highway to clean it at least four times a year. At least one member of the group must be 18 years old or older. Children 12-17 years old may participate with adult supervision. For safety reasons, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate in litter pick-up events. MDOT SHA provides your group with training, safety vests, trash bags and tips on how to pick up trash and recyclables. We also place signs recognizing your organization at both ends of the adopted roadside.

Note

Signs for businesses selling alcohol, smoking products, and recreational drugs, and those with pornographic messages are not permitted. Signs advocating, promoting, or advancing a cause such as social issues, group action, activism, political agendas or opinion, and those with non-family-friendly messages are not permissible.

Getting started

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The Adopt-A-Highway Coordinator in your county will guide you through the process, identify a stretch of highway to adopt, and provide you with safety training materials as well as supplies. Once an adoptable road is chosen, you will receive a Group Adopt-A-Highway application. MDOT SHA maintains non-tolled numbered routes in Maryland’s counties. Please contact your local public works agency if you wish to adopt a road that is not maintained by MDOT SHA.

State Highway Administration Adopt-A-Highway Offices

Location Phone Number
Allegany County 301-729-8433
Anne Arundel County - Annapolis 410-841-1009
Anne Arundel County  - Glen Burnie 410-766-3770
Baltimore County - Golden Ring 410-574-4511
Baltimore County - Hereford 410-329-6752
Baltimore County - Owings Mills 410-363-1315
Calvert County 410-535-1748
Caroline County 410-479-0770
Carroll County 410-876-2061
Cecil County 410-398-1565
Charles County 301-934-8031
Dorchester County 410-228-4977
Frederick County 301-624-8250
Garrett County 301-895-3234
Harford County 410-838-7788
Howard County 410-531-5533
Kent County 410-778-0818
Montgomery County - Gaithersburg Shop 301-948-2477
Montgomery County - Fairland Shop 301-572-5166
Prince George's County - Laurel 301-776-7619
Prince George's County - Marlboro 301-952-0555
Queen Anne's County 410-758-0700
St. Mary's County 301-475-8035
Somerset County 410-651-0317
Talbot County 410-822-3525
Washington County 301-791-4790
Wicomico County 410-677-4054
Worcester County 410-632-0511