In 1990, Adopt-A-Highway came to Kansas, and since then, volunteers have felled an untold number of brightly colored bags with liter in an effort to help keep the state clean. But, interest in helping with this once-popular program has flagged recently, said Kim Stich, spokesperson for the Kansas Department of Transportation, which sponsors the effort.

“It has been a successful program for over 30 years,” she said. “But, we are seeing fewer and fewer groups taking part.”

This has led KDOT to launch an initiative to drum up support.

“It’s never too late to participate in the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Adopt-A-Highway program,” she said. “New groups can always join to make a difference in communities and help the environment at the same time.”

Stich called this a “win-win.” “There is no cost for the volunteers,” she said.

The agency provides the orange safety vests, the trash bags and even installs signs along a stretch of road giving credit to the groups doing the work. They also offer safety information and will pick up the bags of trash from along side road if asked.

Those taking part can also sort out the aluminum cans and recycle them for cash.

In addition, KDOT created an incentive stipend last year for groups that actively participate in the program to help with increased amounts of trash along highways and limited staff, a KDOT news release said.

The stipend is $190 per highway section, which is generally two miles long. Adopt-A-Highway groups receiving $600 or more in payments in a calendar year will be issued a 1099 tax form. 

New and existing groups will be able to submit a request for payment after their group completes a highway cleanup. The group will submit forms identifying the location, date, number of volunteers and number of bags as well as before and after photos of the site.

Any non-profit group that does not discriminate upon the basis of race, religion or gender can join. Members must be at least 11 years old and have adequate adult supervision. 

Groups have clean ups three times a year at their convenience. They are also asked to sign a two-year contract.

“It’s a good way to help in so many ways,” Stich said.

This effort comes as Adopt-A-Highway groups are gearing up for the annual Clean Up Kansas Campaign, which takes place during the month of April. All Adopt-A-Highway groups are encouraged, but not required, to participate in the statewide event.