The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) removed over 77,000 pounds of litter from the state’s roads and waterways during its 5th Annual No Trash November campaign. Exceeding the 75,000-pound goal, 2,470 volunteers took part in 205 cleanup events, collecting 3,596 bags of trash.
Governor Bill Lee proclaimed November as No Trash November Month, while TDOT recognized top performers in the campaign. Keep Knoxville Beautiful led the effort, removing 13,971 pounds of litter. The initiative also includes educational programs to promote year-round litter prevention.
The program engages Keep Tennessee Beautiful affiliates, Litter Grant recipients, Adopt-A-Highway groups, and youth organizations such as Girl Scouts and Scouts BSA. According to the TDOT reports, Educational components reward young volunteers—for example, the Rocco the Raccoon patch is earned after completing a third cleanup project—to encourage ongoing participation.
Participants aged 13 and older can join the Trash Masters Rewards program, earning points for attending cleanup events or completing preventive quizzes. Points can be redeemed for discounts at local businesses or exclusive merchandise. More information is available at the state’s litter prevention website, NobodyTrashesTennessee.com, which serves as a hub for year-round cleanup opportunities.
