About Adopt-A-Highway
The Adopt-A-Highway Program started in Nova Scotia in 1992 when the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia, Lions Clubs of Nova Scotia, and Clean Nova Scotia met with the Department of Transportation and Public Works to answer the following question, “How do we combat litter along Nova Scotia’s highways?” In 1992 the AAH Program was initiated as a pilot project that included only 18 cleanup groups. By 1997, with the help of the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Nova Scotia Adopt-A-Highway Program was officially launched. Nova Scotians took to the program and it quickly grew to approximately 100 groups by 1999 and 150 groups by 2001.
In 2002, the program expanded to include the cleaning of 100-Series Highway Interchanges, also known as Exit Ramps. The Annual Litter Sweep Contest was also introduced, awarding prizes for the most unusual item found during the Spring Cleanup. You can see our Litter Sweep Contest page for more details and information on how to enter this exciting contest. Additionally, the same year, we were honoured to be awarded the designation of Adopt-A-Highway Day.
We would not be The Nova Scotia Adopt-A-Highway Program without the infamous Adopt-A-Highway roadway signs. These roadway signs inform the public that the section of roadway or interchange has been adopted, while also acknowledging and rewarding the groups with the recognition they so greatly deserve. The road signs also inform motorists that the roadway is regularly cleaned; therefore, deterring motorists from littering along that section. A new style of road sign was introduced in 2006. A one-piece design replaced the older two-piece sign making them easier to maintain and view. Each year, we hold a Volunteer Appreciation Event (VAE) to thank and educate our amazing volunteers. It is an event that we take great pride in and invite all of our volunteer groups to attend. In 2012 we decided to take the VAE on the road and hold it in a different part of the province every year. Since then we have held our VAE all over the province, hosting in Port Williams, Truro, Mahone Bay, and Joggins. Today, thanks to our great volunteers, the AAH Program reaches almost all corners of the province. With that being said, we still have many roads that deserve adopting. Please visit the How to Adopt section of our website to see how easy it can be!
How it began!
The Adopt-A-Highway Program started in Nova Scotia in 1992 when the Women’s Institutes of Nova Scotia, Lions Clubs of Nova Scotia, and Clean Nova Scotia met with the Department of Transportation and Public Works to answer the following question, “How do we combat litter along Nova Scotia’s highways?” In 1992 the AAH Program was initiated as a pilot project that included only 18 cleanup groups.
By 1997, with the help of the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Nova Scotia Adopt-A-Highway Program was officially launched. Nova Scotians took to the program and it quickly grew to approximately 100 groups by 1999 and 150 groups by 2001.
What Do We Do?
Litter, that’s it!
At the Adopt-A-Highway Program we facilitate litter clean-ups! That’s it! It may seem simple, but do not let us trick you. There is a lot of work that goes into being able to facilitate clean-ups across the province of Nova Scotia. We strive to make each clean-up as easy as possible for every volunteer.
With each clean-up that we help organize we get one-step closer to our mission of enabling citizens, community organizations, private businesses, and industry to contribute to a cleaner and more beautiful Nova Scotia by fostering a culture of zero litter.
Why Combat Litter?
Litter Begets Litter!
Litter is an eyesore, poses health risks, affects water quality, and is often mistaken as food by wildlife. Studies show that litter begets litter, meaning people tend to litter in areas where there is already garbage on the ground. After a cleanup our province benefits in many different ways; instantly the appearance of the province improves, the environment is aided, tourism is strengthened, and wildlife’s attraction to roadways is reduced. This is why we do what we do!
Our vision is a litter free future that enhances Nova Scotia’s quality of life, environment, tourism, and wildlife; and we will not stop.
Whats New?
We Expanded!
In 2019, we took over the delivery of the Great Nova Scotia Pick-Me-Up Program. This addition means we will be able to broaden our reach and remove even more litter from the province than ever before.
The Adopt-A-Highway is excited for the future with this new endeavor and are eager to support community-based clean-ups in addition to their roadside litter clean-ups.
We are looking forward to the future and are excited to support community-based clean-ups in addition to our roadside litter clean-ups
