OLYMPIA — A bill to modernize Washington’s Adopt-A-Highway program and reduce roadside litter passed the Senate 49-0 Monday.
Senate Bill 5556, sponsored by Sen. Bill Ramos (D-Issaquah), revamps the Adopt-A-Highway program by improving accountability, aligning funding with transportation goals, and making it easier for local businesses and volunteers to get involved.
“Nobody likes seeing trash piling up on our roads — it’s ugly and bad for the environment,” Ramos said. “This bill ensures that folks already stepping up to keep our highways clean have the tools and support to do it even better. The fact that it passed with bipartisan support shows this is something Washingtonians across the board care about.”
A 2022 litter study found that Washington’s interstate highways collect an average of 1,579 pounds of litter per mile each year, while local roads see 143 pounds per mile. The bill would require the Washington State Department of Transportation to report annually on the program’s impact, ensuring long-term effectiveness.
“I’m grateful for everyone who’s ever picked up trash along a highway, whether through Adopt-A-Highway or just because they wanted to make our communities a little nicer,” Ramos said. “This bill will help make that work easier, more effective, and keep Washington looking like the beautiful place we all love.”
The bill now heads to the House for consideration.
