Over the course of just two weeks last fall, volunteers helped remove 1.7 million pounds of litter from North Carolina roadsides.

The N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) hopes to exceed that number during the 2010 fall Litter Sweep, which runs from Sept. 18 to Oct. 2.

During Litter Sweep, additional department employees are assigned to pick up litter and remove the orange trash-filled bags left along roadsides by adopt-a-highway groups and other volunteers. Assistance is also provided by inmate squads and community service workers from the N.C. Department of Corrections.

"The department's Litter Sweep initiative helps improve roadway safety, roadside appearance and the state's overall environment," state Transportation Secretary Gene Conti said. "All volunteers are to be commended for their part in making North Carolina a cleaner and better place."

The N.C. State Highway Patrol will continue to watch for motorists who litter or fail to properly secure their loads. Offenders can be fined up to $2,000 plus 24 hours of community service work and receive one point on their driver's license.

Motorists are encouraged to participate in Litter Sweep by ensuring their loads are properly secured and disposing of trash appropriately.

Residents are reminded that cigarette butts are litter and can act as stormwater pollutants that contaminate the environment when discarded onto roadways and sidewalks.

For more information on Litter Sweep, visit www.ncdot.gov/~beautification/littersweep or call toll-free (800) 331-5864.