Operation Clean Sweep: ITD invites North Idaho community to join in second annual litter cleanup day

COEUR d'ALENE - Operation Clean Sweep returns for its second year on Wednesday, March 25, with a volunteer litter cleanup campaign along U.S. Highway 95 from Athol to Coeur d'Alene.

Litter is more than an eyesore. Every spring, as snow melts across North Idaho, months of accumulated roadside trash becomes visible along the state's busiest corridors. For Idaho Transportation Department crews, addressing it is a necessary but time-consuming task that pulls workers away from critical safety improvements and ongoing road maintenance.

"It's frustrating to have to pull our crews off their regular maintenance work to deal with trash dumped by people who just don't care," Foreman Supervisor Nick Primmer said. "Unfortunately, it's become a routine part of spring. Once the snow melts, the amount of litter we uncover is pretty overwhelming."

At last year's inaugural event, volunteers collected 376 bags of trash and hauled away more than 13,000 pounds of debris.

"We thought it would be a great opportunity to let the public get involved, to work alongside the hardworking men and women of ITD and make a real, visible difference," Primmer said. "It takes all of us."

Volunteers aged 16 and older are encouraged to participate. Check-in runs from 7 to 9 a.m. at ITD's shed at 6303 E. Parks Road in Athol. Participants will receive safety gear, a brief orientation, and crew assignments before heading out to sections of US-95. Volunteers are welcome to stay for as long as they are able, whether that is a couple of hours or the full day. Work will wrap up by 4 p.m.

ITD will provide safety vests, trash collection bags, and safety instructions. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring their own gloves and water.

The event also serves as a great opportunity for students or community members who need to fulfill volunteer hour or community service requirements. ITD staff will be on site to verify hours.

Participants interested in ongoing involvement are encouraged to explore the Adopt a Highway program, a statewide initiative that allows individuals and groups to take long-term ownership of a stretch of roadway and help keep Idaho's highways clean year-round.

Registration for Operation Clean Sweep is required to participate. Volunteers aged 16 and 17 must have a signed parental waiver on file at check-in. Registration is available online and printable waivers can be found on ITD's website.