The N.C. Department of Transportation is encouraging residents to put on their safety vests and join Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) groups and other volunteers across the state for the 2009 fall Litter Sweep, which will take place from this Saturday until Saturday, Oct. 3.

"Litter is not only an eyesore, it also can be a safety hazard and harm the environment," said Transportation Secretary Gene Conti. "Litter Sweep provides an opportunity for all citizens to enhance their local communities and the state's environment by removing roadside litter and debris."

AAH groups and other volunteers, along with N.C. Department of Correction inmate squads and individuals in the Community Service Work Program will participate by picking up litter along state roadsides. NCDOT employees will also pick up litter and remove orange trash-filled bags left along the roadsides by other participating groups.

Throughout Litter Sweep, the N.C. State Highway Patrol will focus on individuals that either litter or fail to properly secure their loads. Upon conviction, offenders can be fined up to $2,000, plus 24 hours of community service work and one point on their driver's license.

All motorists are encouraged to participate in Litter Sweep by disposing of trash in garbage containers and by taking the time to properly secure vehicle and trailer loads. Citizens are also reminded that cigarette butts are considered pollutants and can contaminate water when discarded onto roadways and sidewalks.

More than 2 million pounds of litter is expected to be removed during the 2009 fall Litter Sweep. More than 2.1 million pounds of roadside litter was picked up during the 2008 fall Litter Sweep and more than 2.5 million pounds was picked up during the 2009 spring Litter Sweep, compared to 2.4 million pounds picked up during the 2008 spring Litter Sweep.

NCDOT's Office of Beautification Programs administers Litter Sweep and provides cleanup information to Adopt-A-Highway groups, garden clubs, civic groups and other community organizations prior to the two-week cleanup. Anyone wishing to participate should contact their local NCDOT county maintenance office in advance to obtain supplies such as safety vests, gloves and orange trash bags.

Anyone needing more information on Litter Sweep can visit www.ncdot.gov/~beautification/littersweep or call (800) 331-5864.