In a collaborative show of support for environmental stewardship, University of Tennessee Athletics partners up with the Tennessee Department of Transportation's Nobody Trashes Tennessee and Keep Knoxville Beautiful for the 5th Annual No Trash November, a release from the Tennessee Department of Transportation stated. Participants, including student-athletes, UT Athletics staff, and community volunteers, are gearing up to clean up the Knoxville campus and nearby roads, demonstrating their pride and responsibility in keeping their community litter-free.
The initiative, which kicked off today, November 19, 2025, is part of a broader statewide effort to inspire Tennesseans to engage in community cleanups, Jessica Wildfire, Ed. D., executive director for student athlete development at UT, emphasized the importance of collective maintenance of the school's grounds for visitors and residents alike, noting "We believe it is the responsibility of all Tennessee Vols to do our part to keep campus and our community clean and litter-free so anyone who visits can fully enjoy the beauty of this area," this according to an interview she gave TDOT. Amanda Seale from Keep Knoxville Beautiful added to the sentiment, stating her excitement for students taking ownership of their community cleanup efforts.
Previously, No Trash November activities have seen significant participation, drawing more than 2,400 volunteers who collected over 68,000 pounds of litter, as per TDOT's news release, this year aims to maintain or even exceed that level, with Victoria Cooper of TDOT applauding the example set by such volunteer groups.
Additionally, the state has spiced up the incentive for volunteers by offering three times the usual points in their Trash Masters Rewards program during November, a move aiming to bolster engagement and ensure continued success of the anti-litter campaign points that can be exchanged for local business discounts and special merchandise, helping to make the prospect of a clean Tennessee even more appealing to residents.
For those interested in joining the charge against litter, information about No Trash November events, the registration process for groups looking to participate, and helpful resources can be found on the campaign's website, follow the action, and encourage a litter-free Tennessee by using the hashtags #NobodyTrashesTennessee and #NoTrashNovember on social media platforms.
