The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting community members to join a two-day litter cleanup effort along one of North Idaho’s busiest corridors. “Operation Clean Sweep” will take place April 23–24, covering the U.S. Highway 95 corridor from Granite Hill to Interstate 90.
This volunteer-driven event aims to remove accumulated trash and debris from the roadside as snow melts and winter’s impact becomes visible. Litter not only detracts from the natural beauty of the region—it poses risks to wildlife, the environment, and highway maintenance crews.
“Every year our work crews come together to tackle this large-scale cleanup initiative, and 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,” said Trent Bridges, one of ITD’s operations supervisors. “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, but unfortunately, it’s become a routine part of spring. Once the snow melts, the amount of litter we uncover is pretty overwhelming.”
Volunteers aged 16 and older are encouraged to participate and must register online ahead of the event.
Each morning, participants will check in between 7 and 9 a.m. at ITD’s Athol shed (6303 E. Parks Road) to receive safety gear, a brief orientation, and crew assignments. Work crews will be stationed along sections of US-95, and volunteers can stay for as long as they’d like—whether that’s a half hour or the full day. Cleanup will conclude each day 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 gloves and water.
“Operation Clean Sweep” offers a great opportunity for students or individuals fulfilling community service project or volunteer hour requirements. ITD staff will be available to verify hours on-site.
Participants interested in ongoing involvement are invited to learn more about ITD’s Adopt a Highway program, a statewide initiative focused on long-term litter prevention.
Volunteers aged 16–17 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. A printable waiver form can be found under the “Agenda” section of the event webpage.