In 2009, participants in the N.C. Department of Transportation's (NCDOT) fall and spring litter sweeps removed more than 4.6 million pounds of litter from North Carolina roadways -- 200,000 pounds more than the 4.4 million pounds removed during the 2008 campaigns

NCDOT crews, N.C. Department of Correction inmate squads, individuals in the Community Service Work Program, Adopt-A-Highway (AAH) groups and volunteers from garden clubs, civic groups and other community organizations participated.

The N.C. State Highway Patrol also participated during both sweeps by concentrating its efforts on citing motorists for littering and failing to secure their loads. Troopers issued more than 140 citations during the last two weeks of April and September 2009.

The 2010 Litter Sweeps are scheduled for April 17 through May 1, and Sept. 18 through Oct. 2.

For more information about Litter Sweep and litter prevention, visit the NCDOT Office of Beautification Programs Web site at www.ncdot.gov/~beautification.