This release was issued under a previous government.

Young Albertans will again be out sprucing up the province’s highways while earning money for their clubs and community groups.

The 36th annual Highway Cleanup Day takes place Saturday, May 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the province. In case of inclement weather, the cleanup will take place the following Saturday, May 12.

Last year, approximately 7,400 young people from 603 clubs and non-profit organizations collected over 55,000 bags of garbage from 9,800 kilometres of highway rights-of-way. If placed in a single line, the bags would stretch the length of 338 football fields. Volunteers earned $813,000 for their groups and clubs.

Participants, who will all wear bright orange safety vests while working, must be at least nine years old, attend a safety training program, and be under adult supervision. Motorists are urged to slow down, obey signs, and be on the lookout when passing the workers.

The highway cleanup is held annually on the first or second Saturday in May, as weather permits. Established as a fundraiser for non-profit and community groups, the program also helps keep Alberta’s highways clean and safe by removing garbage from rights-of-way.

Visit www.transportation.alberta.ca/605.htm for more details on highway cleanup programs in Alberta.

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Backgrounder: 36th Annual Highway Cleanup Day

Media inquiries may be directed to:

Trent Bancarz
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-0623
[email protected]

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Backgrounder

36th Annual Highway Cleanup Day

General Information

  • Each year on average, between 6,000 and 10,000 kilometres of highway rights-of-way are cleaned.
  • Most participants are between nine and 17 years old and represent minor sports, youth groups, or non-profit organizations. Adults may also participate. Money earned must be directed to non-profit, community, or youth organizations.
  • The cleanup focuses on highway rights-of-way, which is the land adjacent to the highway.
  • Cleanup work is done in partnership with Alberta’s highway maintenance contractors who collect the garbage bags.
  • Workers receive $100 per kilometre for cleaning both sides of the rights-of-way within 16 kilometres of cities or towns with populations greater than 5,000.
  • Outside the 16-kilometre area, workers are paid $55 per kilometre for cleaning both sides of the rights-of-way.
  • Workers receive $100 per kilometre for cleaning both sides of the rights-of-way for highways deemed “Special Areas” because these highways have unusually high concentrations of garbage.
  • Visit www.transportation.alberta.ca/605.htm for more information on highway cleanup day.

Safety Information

  • Participants and supervisors must go through a safety training program before they are allowed to take part in the cleanup.
  • Workers must wear bright orange safety vests, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
  • There is at least one adult supervisor for every two workers under age 14 and at least one for every five workers aged 14-17. Adult workers do not require supervisors.
  • Participants must stay off the highway and paved shoulder.
  • Participants do not clean medians.
  • Younger participants work further away from the road surface than older youth.
  • Signs are posted alerting drivers to be cautious of cleanup activities occurring in the area.
  • Traffic safety is coordinated with local law enforcement agencies.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:

Trent Bancarz
Communications
Alberta Transportation
780-427-0623
[email protected]

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.