The snow plows have barely been off the road a full week and now workers for the Indiana Department of Transportation are focusing their efforts on patching potholes and removing litter from along highways throughout the State. The Annual Trash Bash takes place from April 6-28, and coincides with National Earth Day to aid in raising awareness of litter.

INDOT crews, along with crews from the Indiana Department of Correction and Adopt-A-Highway, remove hundreds of tons of rubbish and debris from the roadway edges in time for spring each year.  In 2012, 15,812 bags of trash were collected from state highways and right-of-way areas.

“Cleaning up Hoosier highways is one of the ways that offenders can give back to the community and turn doing time into doing good,” said Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Bruce Lemmon. “Working with INDOT to help spruce up our great state is one of our agency’s favorite activities.”

INDOT encourages all Hoosiers to keep Indiana’s highways clean by following these simple tips:

• Don’t litter: Set a good example for everyone, especially children.
• Be responsible: Carry a litter bag in your car instead of tossing trash out the window.
• Report it: Report areas where people have illegally dumped garbage to your local transportation, public works or conservation office.
• Adopt it: To find out how your group can become involved in helping beautify an area near you by participating in Adopt-A-Highway, Sponsor-A-Highway or other highway beautification efforts please contact our Customer Service Department at (260) 484-9541 or 1-866-227-3555. 

INDOT reminds motorists to follow the posted work zone speed limit, use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a work zone. For the latest news and information about INDOT, visit www.in.gov/indot.