SHA crews are using new litter removal equipment like this “Litter Rake” along MD 702 in Baltimore County
The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has launched “Operation Clean Sweep Maryland” to pick up litter along State roadways. During this effort, motorists are urged to slow down and move over to help protect crews as they work.
With moderate temperatures, mowing cycles are starting up along state roadways and litter and debris cleanup is needed. Highway users are reminded to always put trash in proper receptacles and secure loads to prevent litter and debris from flying out of the back of trucks.
Picking up trash puts highway crews in danger as they work along State roads and next to traffic. Litter and debris impede mowing operations, impact highway drainage systems and create potential highway hazards. Additionally, litter is harmful to Maryland’s wildlife and pollutes the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
In the past five years, the State Highway Administration has spent more than $42 million removing litter and debris from State roadways. Last fiscal year, 364,077 bags of trash were collected along State-maintained roadways at a cost of $15 million. That is the equivalent cost of 45 new dump trucks or nearly 60 miles of resurfaced roads.
As operations begin for 2024, the agency is reaching out to local jurisdictions to coordinate cleanup efforts. Residents can help by reporting issues of litter and high grass on State roads by clicking here or call 410-545-0300.
