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May 19, 2026 – The Illinois Department of Transportation is increasing roadside litter cleanup efforts across the state this spring and summer while encouraging residents to help reduce trash along highways and roadways.
The campaign, titled “Put a Lid on Litter,” comes as the department reports spending approximately $33.2 million in 2025 on litter removal, shoulder sweeping and large debris cleanup statewide.
“Litter is more than an eyesore, it has harmful consequences for safety and the environment,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said in a statement. “At IDOT, we are doing more than ever this year to keep roadsides clean. Please help us put a lid on litter by disposing trash where it belongs and slowing down when you see our maintenance teams out collecting litter.”
IDOT crews have already begun removing litter in areas throughout Illinois, with a focus on ramps, interchanges and locations identified as recurring problem areas. Officials said cleanup operations will continue to increase heading into the summer months.
The department is also introducing overnight sweeping operations along expressways in Cook County and surrounding collar counties. Officials said conducting cleanup work overnight allows crews to work more safely and cover more ground due to lower traffic volumes. Weekend cleanup and sweeping operations will continue on a rotating basis throughout the expressway system.
Although litter removal generally does not require lane closures, IDOT officials reminded drivers that workers and equipment may still be present along shoulders and rights of way. Motorists are required by law to slow down and move over when approaching maintenance crews.
Officials said litter creates additional costs beyond cleanup expenses, including clogged drainage systems, damage to landscaping and increased safety risks for both drivers and maintenance crews.
According to the department, littering is punishable in Illinois by fines of up to $1,500, while unsecured loads may result in fines up to $250. State law also allows courts to require violators to participate in roadside litter control efforts.
IDOT is also encouraging residents to participate in the state’s Adopt-A-Highway program. Volunteer groups in the program logged 777 hours of cleanup work in 2025, with more than 2,000 volunteers collecting over 1,825 bags of trash statewide.
More information about the Adopt-A-Highway program is available through IDOT’s Adopt-A-Highway page
