Adopt-a-Program

Adopt-a-Program overview
Adopt-a-Program provides organizations, groups and individuals an opportunity to serve their communities and neighborhoods through countywide litter collection and street beautification activities. These countywide programs allow the “You’re the solution to litter pollution” motto to spark awareness among DeKalb residents of all demographics. Any portion of the county's public right of way is eligible, including traffic islands, medians, county-owned properties and MARTA bus stops. Highly motivated, environmentally conscious individuals work tirelessly to ensure that the county sustains its reputation as one of the nation’s “Best nature-friendly places to live.”

Orange trash bags, gloves, litter grabbers, safety vests, information on safety precautions and signs identifying participants at the “adopted” location are provided to all program volunteers. Approved program participants will receive a program welcome packet, which will contain a welcome letter, program requirements, litter collection sticks, vests and other cleanup supplies, so the group can begin its cleanup efforts pending the official placement of the “adopted” sign. Cleanup project participants are required to return supplies within one week of their cleanup projects, unless they are Adopt-a-Program members. KDB litter collection teams will ensure the proper disposal of the contents of all orange trash bags upon completion of a cleanup project.  

Requests from individuals acting on behalf of organizations will be thoroughly vetted, and proof of affiliation to the organization will be required. Adopt-a-Program volunteers will be required to submit a mandatory cleanup report within two business days of each cleanup project. All “adopted” areas will be audited annually to ensure full compliance with the program’s requirements. Subsequent to annual audits, any participants not in full compliance with the program’s requirements will be at risk of having their program membership terminated and the associated sign removed from its “adopted” location. Program participants can terminate program membership, in writing, with 30 days notice. Former program participants can submit reinstatement requests for consideration. A new Adopt-a-program membership application must be submitted, and follow the same guidelines as a new application. Requests will be thoroughly reviewed and vetted on a case-by-case basis.

This comprehensive program offers three “adoption” options:

Adopt-a-Road
This program focuses on litter and illegal signage reduction and prevention along county roads. Participants are required to clean at least one mile of public right of way, four times per year. Participants can also “adopt” an entire residential subdivision, and will be required to clean multiple roads within this subdivision at least four times per year.

Adopt-a-Spot
This program focuses on litter reduction and prevention. Participants are required to clean a public right of way less than one mile long, four times per year. This program has a particular focus on areas with roundabouts and intersections.    

Adopt-a-Stop
This program focuses on bus stop litter reduction and prevention, and seeks public involvement from residential and community organizations to maintain litter-free areas at MARTA bus stops. “Adoption” opportunities are specifically for locations that do not have bus shelters maintained through the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). By “adopting” a MARTA bus stop, participants commit to removing the litter and trash from their designated “adoption” area(s) at least four times per year, as well as preserving its aesthetically pleasing condition.

Why adopt a road, spot or stop?

• Makes a visible impact on the local environment
• Helps build community, camaraderie and group pride
• Reduces litter cleanup costs and saves taxpayers money
• Allows individuals, organizations and groups to advance their communities' environmental sustainability efforts

How to become an Adopt-a-Program volunteer
We are delighted to welcome individuals, organizations and groups seeking to serve as ambassadors for Adopt-a-Program projects. Interested parties should contact us at (404) 294-2010 or submit an online request by clicking here.

Mandatory Adopt-a-Program volunteer responsibilities           

• Follow outlined safety guidelines at all times
• Facilitate cleanups on a quarterly basis (four cleanups per year)
• Submit a thorough report within two business days of each cleanup

Adopt-a-Program supply request
Supplies are provided based on availability, and with at least one week advance notice. To submit an online cleanup supply request form, please click here. Once a request is received, one of our representatives will contact you to schedule a visit to our administrative office to collect your supplies. Supplies can be collected on Thursday between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.