Adopt-A-Spot
Litter Program

The Adopt-A-Spot Program is a litter prevention initiative designed to keep Calcasieu Parish litter free. This program enables individuals, families, schools, groups, businesses or private civic organizations to actively participate in the removal of litter from public areas.

Here’s the Summary of this Litter Abatement program.

• The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will guide the litter cleanup activities for those desiring to Adopt-A-Spot.
• The participant(s) will simply request the location that they wish to adopt, and the Calcasieu Parish Police. Jury will review the location for final approval.
• One-time cleanups are acceptable for those who only wish to conduct a simple cleanup. Long-term commitments will also be accepted.
• The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury may deny any adoption request based on the following:
  • Instances where an inherent risk to safety is identified as an issue.
  • The Participant’s involvement in the program may tarnish the image of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and the Adopt-A-Spot Program, including, but is not limited to, participant’s discriminatory practices because of race, religions preferences, sex, color or national origin.
• The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will also be responsible for creating and placement of one (1) or two (2) Adopt-A-Spot signs. The signs will be placed at each end of the area to be adopted or within the area as determined by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury to be appropriate. The signs will feature the name of the adoptee, group or business, if applicable. For two-year commitments, a larger 36x30 sign may be displayed.
• The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury may monitor the safety of those participating in the Adopt-A-Spot Program.
• The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will provide safety vests, gloves, water, a first aid kit, trash bags, trash grabbers, warning signs and Adopt-A-Spot signs (if applicable).
• Upon the completion of the cleanup by the participant(s), the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will be responsible for visiting the adopted area and picking up the bagged litter and other items gathered by the adopting participant(s).
• The program participant(s) will be required to return the bin supplies, safety vests, gloves, first aid kit, unused trash bags, warning signs and trash grabbers to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury within five (5) business days of the litter pick-up.
• The participant(s) may be offered the opportunity to be featured on the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s website and social media sites upon successful completion of the clean-up.
• The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will also provide the participant(s) with a Certificate of Recognition.

• Prior to performing any work, participant(s) must contact the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury to coordinate their efforts at least five (5) business days prior to clean-up.
• During clean-up activities at least one adult supervisor is required for every three children under age 15 and/or at least one adult if minors ages 15 to 18 are involved.
• All program participants are required to view a safety video prior to clean-up activities being conducted.
• Once the litter has been bagged, it shall be gathered to one location. The participant(s) will then notify the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury of the location of the litter so that it can be picked up.
• Upon completion of the clean-up, participants must complete the post clean-up report within five (5) business days following the cleanup indicating the number of people involved, number of bags collected, and number of hours spent.

During clean-up activities at least one adult supervisor is required for every three children under age 15 and/or at least one adult if minors ages 15 to 18 are involved.

Yes! Once your group has bagged the litter, it shall be gathered to one location. The participant(s) will then notify the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury of the location of the litter so that it can be picked up.

Yes, all Participants must wear the safety vests during litter pick-up.

For the safety of our volunteers we ask that the clothing worn by program participants should not obstruct their vision or movement upon clean-up nor distract motorists or others who pass the work group. Protective clothing such as hard sole shoes and long pants are recommended.

• Participants must wear the safety vests during litter pick-up.
• The clothing worn by program participants should not obstruct their vision or movement upon clean-up nor distract motorists or others who pass the work group. Protective clothing such as hard sole shoes and long pants are recommended.
• Participants must be on the lookout for hidden obstructions, poisonous plants, snakes, animals and insects.
• When performing the clean-up, participants should avoid removing any hazardous materials, debris or deceased animals. Participants should note the items they could not remove and report them to the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury.
• Participants should use caution when handling or lifting trash bags containing broken or sharp materials.
• Participants must refrain from possessing or using alcoholic beverages or drugs prior to and/or during clean-up activities.
• The program participants shall not engage in clean-up activities during inclement weather, night hours or any other time where there is minimal lighting or other safety concerns.
• To keep vehicles near cleanup activities to a minimum, program participants are encouraged to carpool.
• Vehicles should be parked clear of the worksite and roadway to provide for safe entry and exit.
• Water and first-aid kits supplied by the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury should be readily accessible to all program participants assisting with the cleanup. Participants are reminded and encouraged to stay hydrated, watching for signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
• Participants should wear sunscreen, if needed.
• Only cross roadways when necessary.
• Participants should remain five (5) feet away from the edge of the roadway or pavement.
• Always work facing oncoming traffic. Never turn your back to oncoming cars.
• Participants are reminded to not walk on guardrails and lean over bridge railings.
• Participants are reminded to not pick up items on bridges or on overpasses.
• Participants are reminded to watch your footing. Stay off or away from steep slopes, trenches or any type of drop-off.
• Participants are reminded to avoid using headphones, which can prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic.
• Participants are reminded to not enter the roadway or the shoulder areas to pick up trash.

Yes! The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury will provide the participant(s) with a Certificate of Recognition in the days after their group’s clean up.