4-H clubs and other Alberta youth and non-profit groups undertake the annual highway cleanup on May 7.
The event allows clubs to earn money while cleaning provincial highways from accumulated debris.
It is the 35th year of the program.
An Alberta government news release said 5,000 young people from 357 clubs and non-profit organization collected 44,000 bags of garbage s last year from 5,500 kilometres of highway.
Clubs can earn $100 per kilometre for cleaning both sides of highways in large urban areas or designated special areas. A rate of $55 per km applies to other roadways. Highway medians are not included for safety reasons.
Participants must be at least nine years old, take safety training before the event and wear orange safety vests while working. Club leaders and other adults supervise the cleanup.
Garbage is placed in bags, left roadside and later collected by Alberta Transportation employees.
Motorists are advised to use caution May 7, or May 11 if May 7 weather is poor, when the cleanup is in progress.
