The Tennessee Department of Transportation recently rolled out its third Nobody Trashes Tennessee litter prevention campaign patch in its scouting and youth patch series.
[Above image by Tennessee DOT]
Launched in 2023, the agency’s “Patch Program” offers litter prevention and educational resources while recognizing scouts and other youth groups that participate in community litter cleanups or organize their own group cleanup events.
The newest “Rocco the Raccoon” patch – awarded for a scout’s third cleanup – joins the “Nobody Trashes Tennessee” logo patch (awarded for a scout’s first cleanup) and the “Trashsquatch” patch (awarded for a second cleanup). Tennessee DOT noted in a statement that these patches help celebrate the continued commitment by youth groups to keeping their communities safe, clean, and beautiful. [Editor’s note: The Georgia Department of Transportation “Extra Mile” blog recently highlighted a similar initiative in the Peach State entitled “Keep it Clean Georgia.”] The Tennessee DOT issued this new patch ahead of its 5th annual “No Trash November” initiative, which aims to remove at least 75,000 pounds of litter from the state’s roadways and waterways in a single month. In 2024, more than 2,400 volunteers – including scouts and youth groups – participated in over 175 cleanup events, collecting a total of 69,000 lbs of litter, the agency said.
Tennessee DOT added that all three Girl Scout and all six Scouting America councils in the state are active partners with the “Nobody Trashes Tennessee” initiative through its litter prevention education and patch program. The program is open to all youth groups and organizations statewide, with patches provided at no cost to participants who complete cleanup service projects.
Public Involvement
