Gem State Wire

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is inviting community members to join "Operation Clean Sweep," a two-day litter cleanup event along one of North Idaho's busiest corridors. Scheduled for April 23-24, this initiative will target the U.S. Highway 95 corridor from Granite Hill to Interstate 90.

The event is volunteer-driven and aims to rid the roadside of accumulated trash and debris revealed as the winter snow melts. According to ITD, litter is not only an eyesore but also 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 need to register online before the event. Each morning, participants will check in at ITD's Athol shed (6303 E. Parks Road) between 7 and 9 a.m. to receive safety gear, a brief orientation, and crew assignments. Volunteers can choose how long to stay, whether for half an hour or the entire day, with cleanup concluding at 4 p.m. each day.

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

“Operation Clean Sweep” provides an opportunity for students or individuals completing community service projects or volunteer hour requirements. ITD staff will be present on-site to verify hours.

Those interested in long-term involvement can learn more about ITD’s Adopt a Highway program, which focuses on ongoing litter prevention.

Volunteers aged 16-17 must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. A printable waiver form is available under the “Agenda” section on the event webpage.