PennDOT and the Department of Environmental Protection are seeking volunteers for this year's Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania effort continuing through May 31.

The statewide cleanup is an annual effort sponsored by PennDOT, DEP, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and other partners. involved in PennDOT's Adopt-A-Highway program, which involves volunteers cleaning roadsides year round, are also encouraged to participate in the cleanup.

"These cleanup programs play a huge role in keeping Pennsylvania beautiful through cleaner roadsides and communities," PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch said. "It's my hope that more individuals get involved and join the thousands of dedicated volunteers who participate in these efforts year after year."

In addition to the statewide cleanup, registered events have access to free disposal at participating landfills. PennDOT provides gloves, trash bags and safety vests to AAH and Great American Cleanup of PA groups with funding from DEP's Solid Waste Abatement Fund.

"DEP works every day to provide for the health and safety of Pennsylvanians through a cleaner environment," DEP Secretary Chris Abruzzo said. "The Great American Cleanup of Pennsylvania is a great opportunity for volunteers across the state to join us in that effort."

During last year's Great American Cleanup, 6.1 million pounds of litter were collected from Pennsylvania's roads, trails and shorelines by more than 137,000 volunteers. Check events, resources for organizing a cleanup and other information about the effort online at www.gacofpa.org.

Groups interested in adopting a section of highway are encouraged to contact local PennDOT County Maintenance offices and ask for the AAH coordinator, or visit www.dot. state.pa.us.