Nearly 70,000 pounds of litter removed during TDOT’s 4th Annual No Trash November
The month-long initiative encouraged all Tennesseans to participate in cleanup events in their communities to help keep roadways clean and safe, while also getting rewarded through new Trash Masters Rewards program
Groups throughout the state recognized for removing the most litter in their communities
Franklin, Tenn. – Dec. 10, 2024 – Nearly 70,000 pounds of litter was removed from communities throughout Tennessee as part of Tennessee Department of Transportation’s (TDOT) 4th Annual No Trash November, a month-long initiative to ensure the state’s roadways and waterways are safe from the harmful effects of litter. Spearheaded by TDOT’s Nobody Trashes Tennessee campaign, No Trash November brings together Keep Tennessee Beautiful affiliates, TDOT Grantees, Adopt-A-Highway
“There’s a reason why Tennessee is called the volunteer state, and No Trash November affirms Tennesseans’ desire to come together to help keep our state clean, safe and beautiful,” said Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley. “The annual initiative is an excellent example of successful collaborations between nonprofit organizations, volunteer groups, businesses, and state, county and city governments – all working together towards a common goal.”
More than an eyesore, litter on our public roads and waterways have detrimental impacts on safety, the environment and the economy. At any given time, there are 88 million pieces of litter on the state’s roadways. TDOT spends more than $23 million annually on litter pickup and prevention education, which is funded through dedicated revenue from Tennessee’s Soft Drink and Malt Beverage industries.
“We are grateful to the more than 2,400 Tennesseans that came together in November to help us in our mission to prevent and reduce litter,” said Michael McClanahan, transportation manager, TDOT. “Community cleanups and individual actions taken last month showcase what we can achieve when we work together to preserve our state’s beauty. We encourage all residents to be a part of the solution to end littering. Even small, simple actions can help, from reducing single-use plastics, to recognizing that food waste is litter, every effort counts.”
Keep Knoxville Beautiful cleanups during No Trash November earned them the Keep Tennessee Beautiful Affiliate award for collecting 11,865 pounds of litter on the UT Knoxville campus and throughout the Knoxville area during No Trash November.
Members of the Donnie E Horton Post 254 in Collinwood, TN, collected 2,095 pounds of litter during No Trash November, earning them the Adopt-A-Highway award.
Conservation Kid Cleanup collected 315 pounds of litter in Harrison Bay State Park in Hamilton County, earning them No Trash November’s Youth Group award.
TN Delta Alliance collected 6,110 pounds of litter during No Trash November through cleanups in Lauderdale County, Dyer County and Tipton County, earning the organization the Water Group award.
New to Nobody Trashes Tennessee and No Trash November is the Trash Masters Rewards program. Participants earn points for various activities like taking a litter quiz, attending cleanup events, and spreading awareness. Points may be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including discounts at local businesses and exclusive Nobody Trashes Tennessee swag. “More than 1,600 people have signed up since we launched the program in October. It’s a fun and engaging way for individuals to contribute to a litter-free Tennessee while being recognized for their commitment to the environment,” said McClanahan.
Learn more about the state’s litter reduction and education efforts at NobodyTrashesTennessee.com. Visit the event calendar to participate in cleanup and beautification events in your community. Additional ways to get involved include the no-cost Adopt-A-Highway Program and by reporting littering incidents through the Tennessee Litter Hotline (1-877-8LITTER). Join the conversation at facebook.com/
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About Nobody Trashes Tennessee
Nobody Trashes Tennessee (NTT) is the State of Tennessee’s official litter prevention campaign managed by Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Visit n
