This program is FREE to join and requires a volunteer to pick up litter (and recyclables) along both sides of an adopted road segment (right-of-way), including bus stops. This program creates a partnership of citizens and local government to promote civic pride and preserve our clean environment by eliminating roadside litter. Help improve the appearance of Montgomery County and decrease the amount of debris/trash that washes into our waterways!  This program supports the  Alice Ferguson Foundation's regional anti-litter campaign - Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative.

AAR members are required to perform clean-up efforts at their adopted road segment as needed with a minimum of six major cleanings per year (the equivalent of every other month) and to report these cleanings to the Community Outreach office. Cleanings are scheduled by the individual or group leader at their convenience.  There is no time limit on how long a road segment can be adopted.  Retire at any time by notifying the Community Outreach office in writing.

CLICK HERE to view program guidelines.
CLICK HERE to download program guidelines.

Eligible adopters include civic and non-profit organizations, school and scout groups, commercial and private businesses, families, and individuals that reside in Montgomery County.

Once an application is submitted, the approval process could take up to three weeks. An email confirmation will be sent when an application is received, then if approved, a letter with detailed program information will be mailed (if denied, we will work with the volunteer in finding another road segment to adopt). 
To expedite the approval process be sure to answer all questions on the application, include two road segments (should the first choice not be available) and when requesting nameplates, be sure the name you choose does not exceed length requirements.

CLICK HERE to download FAQ's

If you have additional questions that are not listed, contact the Community Outreach office.

*Signs are not required to participate in the program. 
In recognition for the volunteer’s cleaning efforts, two signs are fabricated and installed bearing their their name.  Signs are normally installed at the beginning and ending of the adopted road segment. All County signs are installed within the public right-of-way and are placed with the consideration of certain engineering factors such as line of sight and safety concerns as determined by MCDOT engineers. Should resident complaints arise regarding the installation of a sign, there is a chance the signs will be removed and the participant will need to chose a different road to adopt.

IMPORTANT: When choosing a name for the nameplate there is a 13-character limit (this includes spaces) per line, two lines max. Slogans, messages, phone numbers, website addresses or any other information besides the volunteer’s name is prohibited.

Once an application is approved, it will take 10-12 weeks for installation.  Most roads will have the purple AAR sign installed (see below photo on left). Roads that are identified as rural will require a brown rustic road sign (see below photo on right).

Rustic Roads are classified as rural by legislation.  They are historic and scenic roadways in an area where natural, agricultural, or historic features are predominant. Most Rustic Roads are narrow, windy and have no sidewalk.  They are considered low volume roads intended primarily for local or agricultural use, as designated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. This classification restricts the type of maintenance that can be performed on these roads so that the rural character can be maintained. 

Learn more about Rustic Roads in Montgomery County.
View a map of Rustic roads in Montgomery County.