District 4 Litter Days

View Photos and Video of Past Litter Days

Caltrans Statewide Litter Abatement Program

Caltrans Division of Maintenance is responsible for maintaining the transportation infrastructure. Litter Abatement is a multi-functional effort to address litter and
debris in the highway environment. Litter Abatement is comprised of Carcass Removal, Graffiti Removal, Litter Removal, Parolee Program, and the Adopt-A-Highway Program.

Caltrans has a leadership role in litter abatement, however it is imperative we develop strong partnerships to achieve a cleaner California.

Maintenance Employees pick up litter and Maintenance Cost Centers work with CHP on enhanced enforcement of littering, illegal dumping, and unsecured loads.

Focus on Litter Abatement

Caltrans collected 267,933 cubic yards of litter in 2020 FY. That is enough to fill 18,000 garbage trucks!

Caltrans utilizes the Litter Abatement program to reduce litter and improve the environment and it's appearance.

In FY 2014-2015 there were 2,603 Customer Service Requests (CSRs) for Litter Removal. In FY 2019-2020 there was a total of 5,537 CSR requests. This is approximately a 112% increase statewide over the last 6 years.

In FY 2019-2020 there was a total of 7,493 CSR requests related to Unsheltered Encampments making up 18% of all request. In calendar year 2016 there were 464 requests. In fiscal year 2020 there were 7,493 CSRs, more than a 1,514% increase in CSR requests related to Unsheltered Encampments.

Did You Know?

• Caltrans had over 3,000 active Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) volunteer permits in 19/20 FY
• Through the SPP program parolees and veterans are getting help with starting new and productive lives, fewer are returning to custody. Cost benefit ratio using SPP vs Maintenance Forces is 2:1.

Litter/Debris

FY 19/20 $110 Million

• Litter/Debris
  • SPP $28 Million
  • Administer AAH Program $1 Million
  • Field Efforts $65 Million
    • Sweeping
    • Freeway Patrol
    • Debris/Carcass pick up
    • Litter Pick up
• Unsheltered Encampments $16 Million

Adopt-A-Highway Value $16.6 Million (AAH Value based on what it would have cost our Caltrans Maintenance crews to do the same work.)

Key Milestones

• 1989: Established Adopt-A-Highway
• 2007: Established Caltrans Litter Abatement Plan
• 2009: Established Special Program People (SPP)
• 2017: Established Veterans Outreach Program
• Looking Ahead: Looking to streamline and simplify the AAH permit process.