Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the Adopt-A-Highway
Program?
The Delaware Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway Program (AAH) is a partnership between the
Department of Transportation and volunteers. We work together to clean up Delaware’s roadsides,
two miles at a time. More than just a cleanup campaign, the AAH program works to educate
citizens of all ages about the responsibilities of land stewardship and brings the community together to help
keep Delaware litter free. Participants have the option of turning any trash collected into cash through
recycling.
The AAH Program allows volunteers to adopt a road or segment of road owned by the State of Delaware.
Participants agree to care for their designated road or segment of road at least three times a year.
After each clean-up, groups are responsible for completing an activity report and submitting online, via
e-mail or by mail. DelDOT provides safety vests, trash bags, gloves and “Trail Clean-up in Process”
signs. In addition, we will create and install one sign along the middle of the adopted bike path or
portion of path indicating the group’s involvement in the program in recognition their efforts.
Each time a group is seen cleaning up a segment of road, it is our hope it will remind the public that there
is an ongoing need to keep our environment, specifically roadways, walkways, and bikeways cleaner.
DelDOT believes in fostering a working relationship with walkers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone
who is interested in helping us keep these areas well maintained and keep our state beautiful for all to
enjoy. Hopefully, it will deter others from littering as well.
Q. Why should an individual,
group or organization adopt a road?
You should adopt a road to make your state and local community better. By participating in AAH, you can make
at least one area of the state cleaner, better looking, and healthier for everyone. Your sign will
remind motorists not to litter, and that your group cares about the safety of those who use the bike
path.
Q. How much does it cost to
Adopt-A-Highway?
The AAH Program is free for all interested in volunteering and offers a way for individuals, companies,
businesses, civic groups and other organizations to help visually improve their community, save taxpayer
dollars, and keep our roads litter free to enjoy all while generating positive publicity for your group.
Q. Who can Adopt-A-Highway?
Individuals, businesses, community organizations, schools and all other organizations in the community are
encouraged to participate. Participants must have approved applications on file prior to conducting
first clean-up. Group members under 15 years of age must be supervised by an adult 18 years or older.
Individuals under 12 years of age will not be permitted to participate.
Q. How do we apply for
the Adopt-A-Highway Program?
You can apply online at DelDOT.gov or print out application, complete and e-mail to AABP Coordinator at
dotpublic@delaware.gov or mail to:
Department of Transportation
Adopt-A-Bike Path Program
PO Box 778
Dover, DE 19903
Q. Can we adopt more than one
road?
When available, groups may adopt more than one road or segment of road.
Q. Can we adopt a specific
road or segment of road?
It is best to have a particular road in mind when you apply. DelDOT will confirm if the road
is indeed state owned and/or maintained and if it is eligible for adoption. If the road is unavailable, we will
work with you to provide a suitable road nearby. Eligible roads are selected by DelDOT based on availability.
Downtown city streets, subdivision streets and the interstate system are ineligible for adoption. Roads must be
at least two miles minimum to be included in the AAH Program.
Q. How long is the
Adopt-A-Highway program?
Adopting a road is a big commitment. Participants in the Adopt-A-Highway Program agree to
adopt one state-owned road or segment of road at least two miles in length for a minimum period of two years and
agree to complete three cleanups/activity reports per year. As long as DelDOT has the required three activity
reports on file for the previous year, and the group is in good standing, ongoing participation is granted.
Q. Isthere
any recognition for individuals, businesses or organizations participating in the Adopt-A-Highway Program?
In exchange for participation in the AABP program, each group will receive two
Adopt-A-Highway signs.
Q. Are there any age
restrictions for volunteers participating in the Adopt-A-Bike Path Program?
Group members younger than 15 years old must be supervised by adults 18 years or older.
Individuals under 12 years old are not permitted to participate. There will be at least one adult per eight
underage members (12 to 18 years of age.) Large groups should stay together as they clean the path.
Q. Do members of our group
need to fill out any type of waiver?
Yes, adult volunteers need to complete a waiver prior to each clean-up. A parental guardian
will need to complete a waiver for any child 15-18 years of age. The waivers can be found under the forms tab.
Q. Is there a limitation on
how many times a year we can clean up our road or segment of road?
Litter pick up must be done on both sides of the assigned road or segment of road at least
three times per year, more if necessary or desired. Each group agrees to complete and submit at least three
clean-up activity reports per year to the AAH Coordinator.
Q. How to we submit an
activity report?
Activity reports can be submitted online, printed, completed, and e-mailed to AAH
Coordinator at dotpublic@delaware.gov or by mail to:
Q. How do we get supplies
needed for cleanup?
Groups must contact AAH Coordinator at least one week prior to litter pick-up. AAH
Coordinator will arrange for groups to pick-up safety vest, trash bags and “Crews Working” signs.
Gloves are also available upon request. These materials should be picked up by you (or a member of your group)
at the DelDOT District Maintenance Office during working hours one week before the cleanup.
Q. What do we do with the
trash we collect?
Filled trash bags may be left under your AAH sign. The contact person for the group should
notify DelDOT on the next business day to let us know that the bag(s) needs to be picked up. You are welcome to
dispose of the trash with your personal trash, but you will not be reimbursed for any personal disposal
services. If applicable, participants are encouraged to separate and recycle appropriate materials for their
benefit and to further help the environment. However, it is not a requirement of the program. If participants
recycle the trash, they are entitled to keep the money for their group or personal benefit.
Q. How do we stay safe during
the cleanup?
We have compiled a list of best practices. Please make sure everyone in your group reviews
them prior to cleanup. The Safety Tips document is under the forms tab on this website.
Q. What if we must reschedule
our clean-up?
Cleanups during bad weather or when visibility is reduced or restricted is prohibited. The
adopting group will be responsible for rescheduling.
Q. Who do we contact if we
discover an issue during our cleanup?
Please contact AABP Coordinator with any specific questions or concerns regarding bike path
conditions in your area.
Q. How do we renew our
sponsorship?
Groups are responsible for notifying the AAH Coordinator of any changes in the status of
their application. If group completes three cleanups per year and completes three activity reports per year for
two years, their sponsorship will automatically renew. DelDOT reserves the right to terminate participation if
we are unable to contact you and/or we do not receive at least three activity reports per year from group.
DelDOT reserves the right to revise these conditions as needed and deny any applications from unqualified
volunteers.
Q. What is the history of
DelDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway Program?
In its early years (1970-1980s), Delaware’s AAH Program was called the Pitch-In
Program, and it encouraged motorists to pitch their trash in designated barrels along Delaware’s major
routes.
