North Idaho residents will have another opportunity to tackle roadside litter this spring as the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) brings back its “Operation Clean Sweep” initiative. The program, launched in 2025 in response to growing concerns about trash accumulation along state highways, aims to mobilize community volunteers to help maintain the beauty and safety of roadways.
The effort focuses on the US-95 corridor, a stretch of highway particularly impacted by litter, especially after the winter snow melts. ITD crews find themselves increasingly diverted from essential maintenance tasks to address the growing problem of discarded trash, impacting their ability to focus on safety improvements and road repairs. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, March 25, along US-95 from Granite Hill to Interstate 90.
“It’s frustrating to have to pull our crews off their regular maintenance work to deal with trash dumped by people who just don’t care,” said Foreman Supervisor Nick Primmer. “Unfortunately, it’s develop into a routine part of spring. Once the snow melts, the amount of litter we uncover is pretty overwhelming.”
Last year’s inaugural two-day Operation Clean Sweep yielded impressive results, with volunteers collecting 376 bags of trash and debris, totaling over 13,000 pounds. ITD hopes to build on that success this year with increased community participation. The initiative isn’t just about aesthetics; roadside litter poses significant risks to wildlife, the environment, and the workers responsible for maintaining Idaho’s highways.
Volunteer Opportunities and Event Details
Volunteers aged 16 and older are invited to participate in Operation Clean Sweep. Check-in will be held from 7 to 9 a.m. At ITD’s Athol shed, located at 6303 E. Parks Road. Participants will receive safety gear, a brief orientation, and be assigned to crews. Volunteers are welcome to contribute for as little or as long as they are able, with work wrapping up by 4 p.m.
ITD will provide safety vests, trash bags, and essential safety instructions. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves and water. The event also presents a valuable opportunity for students or individuals needing to fulfill community service hour requirements, as ITD staff will be available to verify hours completed.
Beyond a One-Day Effort: Adopt a Highway Program
For those interested in a more sustained commitment to keeping Idaho’s roadways clean, ITD’s Adopt a Highway program offers a way to take ownership of a designated stretch of roadway and contribute to its upkeep year-round. The program allows individuals and groups to actively participate in maintaining the beauty and safety of Idaho’s transportation network.
Registration for Operation Clean Sweep is required and can be completed online. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 must have a signed parental waiver, which can be found in the ‘Agenda’ section of the online registration page.
The Idaho Transportation Department emphasizes that maintaining clean highways is a collective responsibility. “We thought it would be a great opportunity to let the public get involved, to work alongside the hardworking men and women of ITD and craft a real, visible difference,” Primmer said. “It takes all of us.”
As spring approaches and the snow continues to melt, the success of Operation Clean Sweep will depend on the continued commitment of volunteers and the ongoing efforts of ITD to address the issue of roadside litter. The department will continue to assess the impact of the program and explore additional strategies for keeping Idaho’s highways clean and safe for both travelers and wildlife.
Share your thoughts on Operation Clean Sweep and Idaho’s efforts to combat roadside litter in the comments below. Let’s work together to keep our state beautiful!
