Pelican State News

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) is actively involved in statewide litter removal efforts, with Love the Boot Week being a significant event for these activities. In collaboration with Keep Louisiana Beautiful and other partners, DOTD staff will participate in litter collection throughout the state from April 5 to April 13. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to reduce litter on Louisiana's roadways.

Todd Donmyer, DOTD Assistant Secretary of Operations, stated, “DOTD spends more than $13 million annually removing other people’s trash from state roadways. This is tax money that could be used to repave more than 100 miles of state roadways. Because litter is 100 percent preventable, it’s very frustrating to spend time and money picking up litter in a particular location and have litter quickly regenerate in the same location.”

The department allocated approximately $13.6 million for litter collection in fiscal year 2024, equating to more than 18 Olympic swimming pools worth of waste. In addition to regular efforts, a $3 million legislative grant allowed DOTD to hire a contractor for litter removal along major routes. These efforts began before the Super Bowl in New Orleans, where nearly 900 cubic yards of litter were collected. The initiative also targets key interstates, including I-10, I-12, I-20, I-110, and I-610, with plans to expand to more rural routes by year-end.

DOTD emphasizes the role of residents in maintaining cleanliness by properly disposing of waste and participating in local clean-up events. Additional details and ways to engage can be found at www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org. Updates on DOTD's efforts are available on their social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.