Spring has sprung and the provincewide spring highway cleanup is scheduled for this Saturday.

For 45 years straight volunteers across the province set aside a day in May to pick up trash along Alberta highways and raise funds for their community organizations while doing it.

Last year's scheduled spring cleanup was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it actually took place in the fall.

Still, 4-H Clubs, Scouts, Girl Guides, schools and church organizations were able to successfully raise funds for their organizations and clean up Alberta highways.

While this year's cleanup is on schedule, all participants must follow COVID-19 guidelines, including masking and physical distancing.

Last year, the province contributed $925,635 to 463 volunteer organizations involved in the highway cleanup. Approximately 12,000 volunteers participated in the 2020 cleanup and they collected more than 32,000 bags of garbage while cleaning up more than 9,000 kilometres of Alberta roads.

Motorists are advised to be extra vigilant on Saturday and watch for volunteers. Drivers are urged to slow down, obey road signs, and use extra caution when passing the cleanup crews. 

The 45th annual highway cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, depending on the weather. Volunteers in bright orange safety vests will be out collecting trash between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Alberta Transportation pays participating groups, clubs and non-profits $100 per km cleaned.