The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s annual Adopt-A-Highway Fall Statewide Cleanup will take place on September 28.

Co-sponsored by the WVDEP and the state Division of Highways, the initiative is part of the Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP). It aims to enhance the state’s environment by encouraging public participation in reducing highway litter.

Volunteers, including individuals, groups and organizations, can register to pick up trash along state-maintained roads, back roads or main routes. Private roads and interstate highways are excluded from the program. The WVDEP provides garbage bags, work gloves and safety vests, and ensures collected trash is disposed of properly. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to participate. “One-time cleanups are encouraged but must be registered,” according to WVDEP.

Groups need to register by September 18 and should notify their county WVDOH garage if they require supplies, which can be collected during normal business hours at local WVDOH garages.

To register, call 1-800-322-5530 or email dep.aah@wv.gov. If reaching voicemail, leave your name, phone number, group name, date of cleanup, number of participants and the county of your adopted road.

Last year, the Adopt-A-Highway program reported over 36,000 hours of volunteer labor and the removal of more than 230,000 pounds of litter from state roads.

REAP, with the motto ‘Keeping WV Clean and Green,’ was established in 2005. It supports citizens by offering technical, financial and resource assistance in cleanup and recycling efforts. The program’s mission is to clean up West Virginia and eliminate litter.

For more information, visit REAP.