Roadside Beautification

• Carpool to the beautification site.
  
• Park all vehicles clear of the road.
  
• Work only during non-peak travel times.
  
• You are not allowed to work on or around holidays because of heavier traffic volumes.
  
• Avoid construction sites, maintenance sites, tunnels, bridges, and overpasses because of reduced visibility in these areas.
  
• Always work in groups.
  
• Always work on one side of the road at a time. Do not split the group between the two sides of the road.
  
• Always face oncoming traffic.
  
• Do no walk out into lanes of traffic.
  
• Do not pick up litter on the highway, in the median, or close to the edge of the road.
  
• Try to stay on the roadside and off nearby private property.
  
• Do not wear headsets or listen to any audio devices while at the site.
  
• Cellphones are only to be used in the event of an emergency.
  
• No horseplay, i.e. do not do anything that could distract passing drivers or other volunteers.

• Do not compact trash bags because injuries from sharp or broken objects can occur.
  
• Do not try to pick up tires and heavy objects.
  
• Call 1-800-FIX-ROAD to have heavy objects and tires picked up.
  
• Pile trash bags in a visible area and notify PennDOT to pick them up.
  
• Learn more about litter on our Litter Facts page

Never pick up:

• Antifreeze
  
• Abandoned barrels
  
• Broken automotive batteries
  
• Bulging or dented containers
  
• Chemical containers
  
• Containers of unidentifiable materials or leaking an unknown substance
  
• Dead animals
  
• Gas cans
  
• Hypodermic needles
  
• Materials that appear to be hazardous
  
• Narcotics
  
• Paint cans
  
• Pesticide/herbicide containers
  
• Propane tanks
  
• Unidentifiable containers
  
• Used oil
  

Hazardous Conditions

Unfortunately, you may come across unsafe or even hazardous items as part of cleaning up litter and beautifying Pennsylvania's highways. If you find a gun, knife or any weapon, do not touch it. Note the location and tell your group leader so your group leader can call the police immediately.

If you find any syringes, which are considered biohazardous materials, do not touch them. Note the location and again tell your group leader so your group leader can call the police immediately.

If you see any items that have radioactive or biohazard symbols on them, do not touch them. Note the location, tell your group leader and then your group leader can call the police.

A brochure from the Pennsylvania State Police identifies the dangers associated with one-pot methamphetamine labs (PDF).

Roadsides are home to a variety of plants and animals, which can be harmful to people as well as to the environment. 

Two common plants that can cause severe skin irritation are poison ivy and giant hogweed.

Poison ivy is a vine that has three leaves. Wear protective clothing and don’t touch the vines with your bare hands. The plant’s oil causes blisters and itchy skin. Quickly wash the skin that came in contact with the poison ivy within ten minutes to minimize the reaction.

Another plant that can cause severe skin irritation is the giant hogweed. In Pennsylvania, this plant’s stems grow to heights of 8 feet to 14 feet tall. Small white flowers make up the 2 ½ foot cluster, coarse hairs that circle the stems, and the leaves are lobed, deeply incised and up to 5 feet in diameter.

Do not touch or handle this plant with your bare hands. The sap produces painful, burning blisters within 24-28 hours after contact. If you do come into contact with giant hogweed, wash immediately with soap and water. Please call the giant hogweed hotline (1-877-464-9333) to report the location.

Three common invasive plants that cause environmental harm are Mile a Minute, Knotweed and Tree of Heaven. These plants overrun and destroy all other plants in the area. If you suspect your potential beautification site has any of these invasive plants, please notify your PennDOT representative before you submit your application.

In addition to looking out for harmful plants, keep your eyes open for stinging insects, rodents, snakes and deer. For your safety, do not touch or pick up any animals you see along the roadside. Leave wild animals alone. Also, for safety’s sake, leave your pets at home.

Last but not least, should you find dead animals, call 1-800-FIX-ROAD. For your safety, do not handle dead animals.

Safety is the most important topic in PennDOT. While out on the roadway, you must take precautions and adhere to all safety requirements. The following requirements must be adhered to.

Health Safety

• Do not participate in a beautification event while under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol.
  
• Watch out for animal holes and rocks hidden by plants.
  
• Keep hands and feet out of areas you cannot see.
  
• Stay off rocky, steep, or unstable slopes.
  
• Use proper lifting and bending techniques to prevent muscle injury.
  
• Avoid overexertion.
  
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
  
• Do not wear strong smelling cologne or perfume.
  
• Spray clothing with insect repellent.
  
• Keep a First Aid Kit easily accessible.
  
• Have emergency contact information for all participants.
  
  • List of allergies
  • List of medications
  • Emergency contact’s name, address, and telephone
  • Name of doctor
  • Telephone number of doctor’s office
• Carry a cellphone – make sure the battery is charged before arriving at the beautification site.
  
• Have adequate transportation available.
  
• Know the location of the nearest hospital/emergency treatment center.

Recommended first aid kit items:

• Band-Aids (various sizes)
  
• Flashlight
  
• Gauze, flexible rolls
  
• Small gauze pads (2”x 2” or 4”x 4”)
  
• Large gauze pad or sanitary napkin
  
• Gloves (disposable, medical kind)
  
• Ice bag or chemical ice pack
  
• Safety pins (various sizes)
  
• Scissors (blunt tip)
  
• Antiseptic soap
  
• Antiseptic solution
  
• Neosporin
  
• Normal saline solution
  
• Rubbing alcohol
  
• Aspirin tablets
  
• Tylenol
  
• Nausea medication
  
• Petroleum jelly
• Measuring spoon
  
• Matches (in waterproof case)
  
• Paper drinking cups
  
• Heavy string
  
• Cotton balls
  
• Elastic bandage
  
• Sewing needles
  
• Caladryl
  
• Medical tape
  
• Thermometer or fever strip
  
• Triangular bandage
  
• Tweezers
  
• Disposable washcloths
  
• Splints (metal or plastic)
  
• Bug spray
  
• Sunscreen
  
• Bottled water for drinking and for cleaning wounds
  
• Emergency medication for those with allergies

Resources

Disclaimer: These handouts provide a general overview of a selected first aid topic. Consult your doctor for personal medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment.

Animal bites (PDF)

Broken bones (PDF)

Cuts, scrapes and puncture wounds (PDF)

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke (PDF)

Insect stings (PDF)

Severe bleeding (PDF)

Snake bites (PDF)

Spider bites (PDF)

Tick bites (PDF)

• Bring along garden gloves and necessary tools.
  
• Know how to use tools properly.
  
• Wear protective eyewear when working.
  
• Do not lift items that are too heavy – use a dolly or wheelbarrow to move them.
  

Tools you may need:

• Garden gloves
  
• Hand spade
  
• Loppers
  
• Weeder/aerator
  
• Small pruners
  
• Long handled shovel
  
• Trowel
  
• Hoe
  
• Cultivator
  
• Hedge shears
  
• Pitch fork
  
• Spading fork
  
• Rake
  
• Wheelbarrow
  
• Dolly
  
• Foam padding (for comfort when working low on the ground)