INDOT and community partners will hold a beautification weekend April 13 through 15.

KOSCIUSKO — The Indiana Department of Transportation announced that the agency’s annual Trash Bash! will take place Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15.

Trash Bash! brings INDOT crews together with volunteers to beautify the state’s roadside areas by cleaning trash and debris. On average, INDOT invests about $4.3 million and more than 60,000 labor hours to pick up litter on state highways each year.

On Friday, April 13, INDOT maintenance staff across the state will direct their focus toward litter collection on roads with high-traffic volume, such as interstates and divided highways.

INDOT urges individuals, organizations, businesses and active Adopt-a-Highway groups to join maintenance staff on two-lane roads with lower traffic volume anytime between Friday, April 13 and Sunday, April 15, in our monumental effort to beautify our roadside areas.

To be part of Trash Bash!, contact INDOT customer service at (855) 463-6848 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Volunteers will be connected with an INDOT Trash Bash! coordinator to receive:

• an assigned cleanup location;
• a briefing on roadside safety;
• safety vests to be worn at all times;
• and trash bags

All trash bagged by volunteers will be collected and disposed of by INDOT crews.

“Whether volunteers are interested in helping with one mile or ten miles, INDOT welcomes the help of Hoosiers in making our roads look their best,” INDOT commissioner Joe McGuinness said. “Please consider partnering with INDOT to make this a record-breaking statewide beautification effort.”

While Trash Bash! is an annual three-day event, INDOT offers opportunities for Hoosiers to help keep roadside areas clean year-round. The Adopt-a-Highway and Sponsor-a-Highway programs are great opportunities for volunteering, community service projects, and offer a highly visible option for showcasing your business or non-profit group.

Motorists are reminded to look out for work crews and volunteers along Indiana highways. When drivers encounter a work crew, they should slow down, be alert for changing traffic patterns and always avoid distractions such as cell phones while driving.