Adopt-A-Road Program

Why has the Program been Established?

The Regional Municipality of York's Adopt-A-Road Program was established as a public service program for volunteers to help maintain the Regional road rights-of-way free and clear of garbage and litter. It is a way for environmentally conscientious citizens or groups to make a contribution to a cleaner environment. Under the program, groups or individuals agree to adopt a section of road right-of-way and keep it clear of debris. In addition to a cleaner environment, the volunteer(s) are recognized through a sign erected by the Region acknowledging their efforts.

Who can Participate in the Adopt-A-Road Program?

A group or individual may apply to the Region for an Adopt-A-Road program agreement. The Region will determine the eligibility of these groups or individuals that exhibit the desire to achieve the Adopt-A-Road objectives.

• Be at least 12 years old
• Receive annual Region of York safety training prior to the first pick-up of the year, and review safety rules before each clean up
• Provide at least one adult supervisor (19 years or older) for every five workers.
• Always wear an approved safety vest
• Display the "Road Work" sign before starting the clean-up and remove the sign when finished
• Clean-up only one side of the road at a time and work towards oncoming traffic
• Pick up litter during daylight hours ONLY
• Flag hazardous or unidentifiable objects for pick-up by Regional staff
• Place trash bags at the designated pick-up site(s)

• Walk, or pick up litter on the pavement, shoulder, or in the median
• Work on bridges, overpasses, steep ground, or in tunnels
• Walk across the pavement to switch sides
• Touch or pick up hazardous items, or anything that cannot be identified

How can you Apply for the Program?

• Volunteers wishing to participate in the program can complete the Adopt-A-Road application form [PDF] and forward it to:

Safety Guidelines for Volunteers

• Think safety. There are a few simple rules that are worth remembering when it comes to safely working along the roadway.
• All volunteers must review the rules before each clean-up session.

The Region will:

• Provide safety vests, "Road Work" signs, trash bags, safety information, training videos, flags, and traffic cones
• Erect signs with the group's name displayed at the beginning of each adopted section of road
• Remove and dispose of filled trash bags
• Remove any and all flagged items
• Monitor and ensure the objectives of the program are being met

Contact Us:

For further information on the Adopt-A-Road Program, please contact us at: permits@york.ca