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Litter Programs
Litter abatement is an ongoing challenge in Louisiana. DOTD partners closely with the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and the Keep Louisiana Beautiful Foundation to reduce litter statewide. DOTD continually evaluates new and effective approaches to keep Louisiana’s roadways clean. The department currently uses the following programs and strategies.
How DOTD Handles Roadside Trash Across the State
Sponsor A Highway
Launched as a pilot program in 2025, Sponsor A Highway allows businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations to sponsor litter removal or beautification along interstates and other major roadways. A third‑party vendor provides professional cleanup services at no cost to DOTD, helping maintain attractive and litter‑free corridors.
Adopt A Road
The Adopt A Road Program invites volunteer groups to help keep Louisiana’s state and federal roadways clean. Volunteers remove litter along designated segments, reducing costs to taxpayers while promoting civic pride, community involvement, and a cleaner, greener Louisiana.
DOTD In-house Sweeping
DOTD owns and operates 19 mechanical sweepers statewide. In-house sweeping operations accomplish about 5,000 to 10,000 curb miles of sweeping annually.
Contract Sweeping
DOTD outsources some sweeping operations on the interstate. Contracted sweeping operations accomplish between 10,000 to 15,000 curb miles of sweeping annually.
Sheriff’s Agreements
Since 2013, DOTD has maintained annual agreements with Sheriff’s Offices across the state to support litter collection. Inmate crews collect litter under the supervision of a deputy, whose time is reimbursed by DOTD. Crews bag litter along the roadside, and DOTD staff handles disposal at the nearest appropriate landfill.
Department of Public Safety and Correction Agreement
Since 2001, DOTD has partnered with the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to use supervised inmate crews for litter collection on state highways. DPS&C deploys up to 10 crews of five inmates from six participating prisons. Crews bag litter along designated routes, and DOTD staff collects and disposes of the bags at approved landfills.
Contract Litter
Beginning in 2024, the Legislature provided DOTD with dedicated annual funding to expand litter abatement. This funding supports statewide, regional, and district‑specific contracts focused solely on litter removal. These contracts add more frequent cleanup cycles along high‑priority routes.
Contract Mowing & Litter
DOTD outsources mowing on more than 40,000 acres of roadside right of way statewide. Contractors remove litter before each mowing cycle, and many contracts also include additional litter-only cycles during non-mowing seasons.