Adopt a Road Program

Overview

Paulding County’s Adopt-A-Road Program enlists citizen volunteers’ help to remove litter from county roadsides. While saving taxpayer dollars, the program brings the environmental and monetary costs of littering into public awareness, and promotes civic responsibility and pride. The volunteers of the Adopt-A-Road program serve as visible reminders to the public that we are all stewards of the land.

Paulding Citizens are proud of our beautiful County, but unfortunately, our roadways are becoming dumping grounds for illegal litter. Roadside litter poses a serious threat to motorists and wildlife.

Please help clean up our County by volunteering with our Adopt-A-Road Program. The following information will help you and your group get started. Thanks for taking the time to make a difference in our County. For more information please call at 770-445-4759.

Documents

How the Program Works

Each volunteer group adopts at least a half-mile stretch of Road, or entire Road if shorter, and agrees to remove litter from both sides of the road at least four times a year for a two-year period.

The volunteer group’s leader notifies the Paulding County DOT office at least three business days prior to a scheduled pickup. The filled litter bags are left on the site at a predetermined location for Paulding County crews to pick up. Within one week after the pickup, the volunteer group will submit a status report to the Paulding County DOT office.

Who Can Participate

Any civic-minded organization, business, individual, family or city is welcome to volunteer in the Paulding County Adopt-A-Road program. Each volunteer group must have at least four members, with two backup members. All members’ names, addresses and phone numbers will be provided to Paulding County DOT prior to acceptance of the application. Children aged twelve to fifteen years must be supervised by adults at a rate of one adult for every three children. Children under the age of twelve are ineligible for participation in the program.

How to Get Started

Carefully read all the terms and conditions of your permit.

  • Organize your group and get commitments before you submit your permit application.
  • Contact the Paulding County Coordinator who can tell you whether a particular site is available for adoption or can, if you prefer, recommend a suitable site for you.
  • Complete the permit application and submit it to the Paulding County DOT.
  • The Paulding County Coordinator will notify you when you are approved and will assist you in getting started.

Please be aware of these conditions pertaining to your permit:

  • Permits may be renewed every two years.
  • You cannot transfer your permit to others.
  • You or Paulding County DOT may cancel anytime you are unable to meet the permit requirements.
  • Permits may be temporarily suspended by Paulding County DOT for safety reasons.

What We Will Provide

  • We loan you safety vests which must be worn by all participants while volunteering on Paulding County right-of-way.
  • We provide you with free trash bags and dispose of the trash you collect and leave bagged at predetermined locations in your adoption area.
  • We loan you litter pick up signs, if available, or direct you to a supplier for purchase.

Safety

Your Safety - Our Top Priority

Because roadways are dangerous places, all volunteers should be mentally alert while picking up litter. Besides using good common sense, all members should be in good physical condition, including sight and hearing. There should be one supervising adult for every three children aged 12 - 15.

Plan for Safety

  • Review safety precautions. Prior to each activity, complete the participant waiver form and have each participant sign it. Save it for your records.
  • Assign work teams and leaders before you reach the site. Distribute trash bags beforehand. Estimate the amount of time for your pickup and agree on a meeting place when you’re finished.
  • Carpool to the site to reduce the number of vehicles parked on the side of the road. Be sure to park in a safe spot as far from the road as possible and all on the same side. Be careful not to park in an area that would obstruct motorists’ views, such as on a curve in the road.
  • Bring along an adequate first-aid kit. Identify the nearest hospital and know how to get there in an emergency. At least one person in your group should know CPR techniques.
  • Bring a cell phone.
  • Obtain emergency contacts for each group member and bring their phone numbers with you.
  • Don’t overexert yourself. Bring along a supply of drinking water and take breaks.

Safe Work Habits

  • Wear your orange safety vests at all times.
  • Work only during daylight hours during good weather. During the hot summer months, it’s a good idea to restrict your work to morning hours.
  • Make sure the litter pickup signs are used, and return them (unless you have purchased your signs) after pickup is complete
  • Work only one side of the road at a time.
  • Whenever possible, face oncoming traffic. Stay alert and be prepared to move out of the way in an emergency. Stay with your team.
  • Do not wear headsets. They could prevent you from hearing traffic or other hazards.
  • Do not crush collected trash to make more room in the bag. Broken or jagged objects could cause accidental injuries.
  • Do not pick up syringes or hypodermic needles, animal carcasses, or heavy, large, or hazardous materials. Flag these items and notify Paulding DOT for pickup.
  • Do not “horse around” or do anything to purposely distract drivers.
  • Avoid poison ivy or other noxious weeds.
  • Avoid insects such as fire ants, yellow jackets, wasps, etc. Also, be aware of and avoid animals such as snakes, possums, and raccoons.
  • Stay away from construction sites, mowing activities, open water, bridges, overpasses, or retaining walls that could be dangerous for workers.

Safety Gear & Clothing

  • High-visibility vests (loaned to you by Paulding County DOT)
  • “Litter Pick up in progress” signs (2)
  • Trash bags (provided by Paulding County DOT)
  • Leather thick-soled boots or shoes
  • Light colored clothing, brightly colored hat
  • Long pants and long-sleeved shirt
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • First aid kit
  • Cell phone