The Shapiro Administration announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Protection, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are collaborating to encourage residents to participate in the 2026 Pick Up Pennsylvania litter cleanup initiative ahead of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh this April.
The Pick Up Pennsylvania program is a joint effort aimed at giving Pennsylvanians an opportunity to help keep their communities clean. “With the eyes of the world pointing at the Commonwealth, we are eternally grateful to our committed volunteers for helping us Pick Up PA. We are all stewards of our environment. I encourage everyone to get involved in Pick Up PA, and, if you own a business, consider sponsoring a roadway in the Commonwealth,” according to PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.
DEP Secretary Jessica Shirley said, “One of the key parts of DEP’s mission is partnership, and it is thanks to tremendous partners like Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful, PennDOT, Adopt-A-Highway sponsors, and so many others that we are fighting litter in Pennsylvania. Thanks to volunteers across the Commonwealth we are ready to keep Pennsylvania and America litter-free for the next 250 years.”
The 2026 tourism season is expected to bring more than 209 million travelers to Pennsylvania with major events including the NFL Draft—projected to draw 600,000 fans—PGA Championship, FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Series and America250PA. Litter poses environmental risks by polluting streams and rivers with microplastics that can degrade water quality and harm wildlife.
Through PennDOT’s Sponsor-A-Highway program, businesses can arrange for skilled maintenance crews to remove litter from roadways where volunteer groups cannot safely operate. Sponsors receive recognition through roadside signs displaying their business name and logo as well as listings on PennDOT’s website. The program is featured on PennDOT’s updated online resource page outlining public participation opportunities.
“Keeping Pennsylvania beautiful starts with all of us,” said Shannon Reiter, Executive Director of Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “Our volunteers, partners, and community groups play a vital role in protecting our waterways, parks, and neighborhoods. As we welcome millions of visitors for this historic tourism season, their efforts send a powerful message and ensures our natural spaces reflect the pride we have in our Commonwealth.” More information about these programs can be found as listed on the official roster page.
