Employees each with a big garbage bag
picks up litter along Indiana State Road 9

TREC has joined Indiana’s Adopt -A-Highway program. This is a public service program for volunteers to pick up litter along Indiana’s highways. By doing so, TREC can significantly reduce the roadside trash problem. This improves the look of the community and can also uncover Indiana’s natural heritage. It also allows TREC’s environmentally conscious employees to make a personal contribution to a cleaner environment. Roadside litter costs millions of dollars annually to control. Litter is not only unattractive; it can be a traffic hazard if it blows into the view of drivers on the highway. Litter is also harmful to the environment. Did you know it takes over one million years for plastic and styrofoam containers to decompose?

TREC has agreed to pick up litter for 2.09 miles (both sides of the road) on Indiana State Road 9. This highway has been adopted for a two year period which may be renewed for an additional two years. Litter will be collected for a minimum of four times a year. We introduced the program in April and asked for volunteers from all of our employees. We have 42 employee volunteers (49% of the total workforce). Our first trash pickup was completed on May 29, 2008 with 12 employees.

The condition of Indiana roads is a reflection on us, the people who live here. Adopting a highway shows pride in the state and it’s a great way to show we care about the environment.