The El Paso County Public Services Department has had an Adopt-A-Road program since 1997. It's a great program that lets groups or individuals show their pride in El Paso County and where they live. Service clubs, church groups, scout groups, and other non-profit groups are current participants in the program, as well as individuals.

The requirements aren't great or tremendously time-consuming. To participate, you agree to pick up litter from both sides of a two-mile stretch of a County road at least four times a year. This is a great opportunity for a little exercise and a lot of clean Colorado air and bright sunshine. The County provides litterbags and hauls away the full bags left beside the road.

You receive recognition in the form of a sign at each end of the adopted section of roadway, giving you credit for your contribution to our community. For more information, see below. We have locations available all over the County - including one near your home, church, or school.

Show your pride in El Paso County! Help us keep the roadsides litter free. Adopt a road today!

General Information

Did you know that roadside litter costs millions of dollars annually to control? It is not possible to keep up with the trash that thoughtless people carelessly toss onto the road. This is why we need your help.

To request an application or for more information, please contact Cynde Greenwood at:

• Cynde Greenwood
  Adopt A Road Program Coordinator
  El Paso County Public Services Department 
  3275 Akers Dr.
  Colorado Springs, CO 80922
  719-520-6808 (phone) 719-520-6879 (fax)
  CyndeGreenwood@elpasoco.com

Who adopts?

• Adopt-A-Road groups include service clubs, churches, scout groups, associations, and many other non-profit organizations. In fact, many individuals and families adopt roads showing their pride in El Paso County.

What is required?

• Parties agree to pick up litter from both sides of a two-mile section of a County road a minimum of four times per year.
• Parties are encouraged to sort litter when picking up, taking recyclable materials to recycle centers. The group gets to keep any money collected from recycling.

What does El Paso County provide?

• We will provide a sign crediting the group for volunteering on adopted sections of road.
• We will provide litter bags and safety vests.
• We will haul the litter bags away after the group places the full bags near the edge of the roadway.

The El Paso County Public Services Department will not be responsible for any injury to volunteers participating in this program.

Have fun, but be safe!

General Safety Tips

• Carpool to the site to reduce the number of vehicles on the roadside.
• Park vehicles well off the right shoulder.
• Parking along curves, on bridges, under overpasses or on medians is strictly forbidden.
• All occupants in vehicles should exit and enter the vehicle on the side away from traffic.
• Work on only one side of the road at a time. When you are ready to go to the other side, get into the vehicle and drive up to the opposite shoulder. DO NOT WALK ACROSS THE ROAD!
• Always be aware of traffic and try to face it at all times.
• Traffic travels at high speeds, and most drivers don't expect to see crews working along the roadside. Be alert and use common sense at all times.
• Keep crew members together for better visibility to motorists.
• Designate one person as crew leader who will ensure everyone follows safety rules. Pick someone who will keep you honest.
• Designate one person specifically to watch traffic.
• Do not overfill or compact trash bags if there are sharp objects in them. Your coordinator will give you as many bags as you need.
• Bring a first aid kit. Each member should have basic first aid skills.
• Know where the nearest hospital is in case of an accident.

Groups must not in any way perform the litter pickup in a manner that will distract or interfere with passing vehicle drivers. This is for your safety as well as theirs.

Personal Safety Tips

• Work only in daytime.
• Do not work in bad weather.
• Bring water to drink on hot days.
• Have one person on hand to specifically watch traffic.
• Never walk onto the road. County crews are assigned to clean the roads.
• Protect yourself from traffic hazards and wear safety vests.
• Wear gloves.
• Wear solid shoes and watch out for loose rocks that could cause you to slip.
• Avoid contact with poison ivy and other troublesome weeds
• Avoid construction areas and mowing crews.
• Avoid any contact with any unknown materials or suspected toxic substances, including discarded needles or syringes. Notify your adopt-a-road coordinator in case you come across any.
• Avoid approaching animals, even dogs, on the road. Instead - call animal control or the Humane Society right away.
  (473-1741)
• Do not pick up litter that is in the driving lanes on any road.
• Do not bring pets.
• Do not pick up litter if you are on medication, drugs, or alcohol.
• Crew members should be in good health with good sight and hearing.
• Crew members must be at least 12 years of age, unless otherwise approved by your crew leader.

For general information contact:

El Paso County Public Services Department
3275 Akers Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80922
Phone: 719-520-6460