Adopt – A – Road Litter Control Program
The Town of Sykesville Adopt – A – Road program is a litter – reduction campaign designed to remove litter and debris from Town roads and improve the quality of the environment.
The program establishes a partnership between volunteer groups and the Town of Sykesville Department of Public Works by working together in efforts of litter control along neighborhood roads.
Policies
1. The adopting organization will commit to a one-year period of adoption. At end of this one-year period, the adopting may be renewed or terminated.
2. During the commitment, adopting organization will remove trash from the designated roadway at the minimum of 6 times a year.
3. The Town of Sykesville will supply necessary quantity of trash bags and rubber gloves.
4. The adopting organization will be solely responsible for acquiring reflective safety vests and distributing them to participants, and enforcing their use when pickup is taking place.
5. The Public Works Department will be responsible for collection and disposal of trash bags along the roadside.
6. The Town of Sykesville will publish a quarterly statement of recognition in three local newspapers identifying each specific adopting group. Recognition through publication will repeat throughout the adoption period and will be in lieu of addition of signs within the public right –a – way within adopted segments.
7. The adopting organizations agrees to participate in the solid waste recycling program by separating recyclable materials prior to removal by the Town.
8. The Adopt a Road Program litter control pastisipant must be aware of hazardous nature of work which is to be performed and take full responsibility for any injury, death and / or damage that could occur while working along the roadway.
Safety Policies and Regulations
1. Always wear orange safety vest. This vest is to provide motorists with the ability to see workers and is necessary for the worker’s safety.
2. Stay off the traveled way, wherever possible. The workers should be off to the side of roadway. Divide into two groups to patrol both sides of the roadway at one time minimize crossing the roadway.
3. A responsible adult must supervise, all volunteers, all volunteers especially minors between the ages of twelve and eighteen, Please leave younger children and pets home, in order to avoid dangerous situations.
4. Park vehicles away from area to be cleared. Carpooling is an effective way to reduce the number of vehicles at the site and also conserve energy and minimize pollution.
5. Observe all pedestrian laws and safety practices. This includes, but is not limit to, facing traffic when walking along shoulders, looking both directions before crossing at corners when possible. Remember, this is for your protection.
6. Keep filled litterbags off the roadway in shoulder area. This keeps the travel way clear for motorists and safer for pedestrians.
7. In case of emergency dial 911 in if any emergency arises.
8. Please be courteous to drivers. If a situation arises where a motorist is creating problems for the operation, notify the Public Works Director immediately at 443-865-3378 at any time. DO NOT TAKE THE LAW INTO YOUR OWN HANDS.
9. Dress appropriately for the weather and take necessary precautions.
10.Enjoy yourself. This is a community effort that is to be congratulated. The Town of Sykesville is proud to have citizens like you willing to make the Town a better place to live.
Safety Tips & Criteria
* DON’T pickup litter on the roadway surface at any time.
* DON’T pickup litter close to edge of road or on any medians. Stay on the right away, facing traffic and stay with your team.
* DON’T play around or do anything that will distract passing drivers or other volunteers.
* DON’T work during peak travel times when traffic is heavy. Never schedule pickups during evening hours.
* DON’T overexert yourself. Take breaks. Drink liquids and dress appropriately for the weather.
* DON’T bring small children or pets on litter pickups.
* DON’T leave children or pets locked in car at work locations.
* DON’T pick up materials, which you suspect might be hazardous. Call Public Works Director for proper disposal of waste.
Please be aware of the following when removing litter.
* Don’t step out into the road.
* Wear heavy shoes or boots
* Wear rubber gloves
* Wear safety vest so motorists can see you.
* Watch for broken glass
* Watch for barbed wire
* Watch for snakes
* Watch for deep ditches
* Watch for small wash outs in the weeds.
* Be safety minded and aware of your surroundings at all times.
