AASHTO Journal - Fifth Annual ‘No Trash November’ Campaign Begins

The Nobody Trashes Tennessee litter prevention program spearheaded by the Tennessee Department of Transportation recently kicked off its 5th Annual No Trash November campaign; a month-long statewide initiative that aims to remove 75,000 pounds of litter from state roadways and waterways.

[Above photo by Tennessee DOT]

In recognition of the five-year milestone and Tennessee DOT’s litter prevention and education efforts through the “Nobody Trashes Tennessee” campaign, Governor Bill Lee (R) proclaimed November as “No Trash November Month.”

Since its launch in 2021, No Trash November has engaged thousands of volunteers through more than 480 cleanup events, removing nearly 250,000 pounds of litter across the state. In 2024, over 2,400 volunteers participated in more than 175 cleanup events, collecting a total of 69,000 pounds of litter.

[Editor’s note: The agency also introduced a new patch to help promote its litter-removal program to various youth groups statewide.]

“As we mark the fifth year of No Trash November, I’m proud of the unwavering commitment Tennesseans have shown in safeguarding the natural beauty of our state,” said Will Reid, Tennessee DOT commissioner, in a statement.

“Litter prevention isn’t just about keeping our roads clean – it’s about protecting the land, water, and wildlife that make Tennessee such a special place,” he added. “We’re conserving what matters most and showing – without question – that Tennessee is not a place to be trashed.”

[Editor’s note: The California Department of Transportation recently celebrated the four-year anniversary of a similar environmental endeavor, its “Clean California” program.]

The No Trash November initiative brings together the agency’s litter prevention partners and organizations, including Keep Tennessee Beautiful affiliates, Litter Grant recipients, Adopt-A-Highway groups, youth organizations such as Girl Scouts and Scouting America, and more.

Groups collecting the most litter will be recognized for the 2025 campaign in four categories: Keep Tennessee Beautiful Affiliate and Litter Grantee, Adopt-A-Highway Group, Youth Group, and Water Group.