PROGRAM GUIDELINES
Elbert County's Adopt-A-Road Program is designed to remove litter from County Roads to improve the quality of our roadways. This program is a partnership between citizens and Elbert County working together to promote civic pride, preserve habitats, improve motorist safety, and preserve our clean environment by eliminating roadside litter.
PARTICIPATION
You can request a road or section of road in unincorporated Elbert County for adoption. Roads that are adoptable include unincorporated Elbert County roads, roads that are approved by the coordinator, and roads that have not already been adopted by another group. For safety reasons, some roads may be ineligible for adoption due to narrow or no shoulders, roads with limited sight distances, etc.
Groups are requested to adopt a one (1) to three (3) mile section of road for a minimum of ONE (1) year – January through December. Adoptions can be extended on a one-year basis at a time.
VOLUNTEERS' RESPONSIBILITY
Responsible Party agrees to follow all DO's and DON'Ts safety regulations listed below.
Responsible Party agrees to patrol adopted roadway and remove litter on each side of the designated roadway section for one year (January-December), with a renewal option.
Responsible Party shall call the Elbert County Road & Bridge department at least two weeks before the proposed cleanup operations to arrange pickup of vests and litter bags and allow the department to schedule personnel to remove waste from the shoulder after the pickup.
COUNTY'S RESPONSIBILITY
Elbert County will supply orange safety vests and litter bags to the organization upon request. Filled litter bags shall be left on the should of the road outside of the driving lanes.
Elbert County personnel will remove the litter bags and dispose of the waste.
Elbert County will post ADOPT-A-ROAD signs including your organizations name which will be installed at each end of the adopted sections.
ADOPT-A-ROAD DO'S
DO car pool to pickup sites to keep the number of vehicles on the roadway at a minimum. Park in areas off the road as far away from the permanent edge as possible. Use parking lots and wide spots whenever possible.
DO wear the reflective orange safety vest provided for volunteers so you can be seen. Be sure you wear it from the moment you leave your vehicle at the pickup site.
DO wear light or bright-colored protective clothing, hard-soled shoes and sturdy work gloves.
DO use sun block and wear a hat.
DO work only in daylight and in fair weather.
DO stay alert for snakes and noxious weeds and avoid them.
DO coordinate all pickups with the Department contact two week prior to schedule pick ups.
DO make sure all volunteers are familiar with these safety precautions.
DO stay alert for traffic when crossing side roads and driveways. Cross with signals.
ADOPT-A-ROAD DON'TS
DON’T pick up litter on the roadway surface (driving lanes) at any time.
DON’T pick up litter in construction or maintenance sites, in culverts or on bridges.
DON’T work during peak travel times when traffic is heavy. Consult your Department contact for a suitable and safe schedule. Never schedule pickup during evening hours when visibility for motorists is poor.
DON’T participate in litter pickups while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or prescription medications.
DON’T over-exert yourself. Take breaks, drink liquids and dress appropriately for the weather.
DON’T bring small children or pets along on litter pickups.
DON’T leave children or pets locked in the car at work locations.
DON’T pick up materials which you suspect are hazardous. Call the local fire department immediately.