To maintain a clean, litter-free environment that residents can be proud of, the City of Lexington (City) encourages community residents and organizations to adopt and clean residential streets within the city that are not maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Individuals, families, and groups including schools, civic clubs, scouts, businesses, religious and social groups are encouraged to apply to adopt-a-street.

Each adopted section of street is a minimum of one half of a mile (2,640 feet) or a street length. Volunteer groups sign agreements with the City to remove litter from their adopted stretch of street a recommended minimum of three times each year (once every four months).

The City will post a sign at each end of the adopted section with a group or individual’s name to show its participation in the program. Signs may also be posted “in honor of” or “in memory of” a group or individual. The City will provide training, safety vests, trash bags, and gloves and will also arrange for collection of bagged waste and recycling.

The initial adoption agreement is for four years. A group or individual may keep its adopted section of street indefinitely if the agreement is renewed at the end of each four-year period. Individuals who leave the area are requested to notify the City within ninety days of moving.

For questions about the Adopt-a-Street program please email publicservicesadmin@lexingtonnc.gov

Want to help clean up your neighborhood? Ward cleanups are a great way to get involved and make a difference where you live by uniting residents to beautify their own blocks by removing trash, improving common areas, and creating a cleaner, more welcoming environment. These efforts strengthen neighborhood pride, encourage community connection, and can even improve safety and property values

Registration is not required to participate in a ward cleanup. All you need is to bring closed-toed shoes and appropriate clothing to be outside. We will provide the rest including gloves, pickers, trash bags and vests!

Ward Cleanups are hosted by the Lexington City Council and Lexington Stormwater. For questions about Ward Cleanups please email stormwater@lexingtonnc.gov

Lexington Parks and Recreation maintains over 20 parks throughout the city. Park cleanups bring neighbors together to care for shared green spaces while improving the safety, beauty, and usability of local parks. Volunteers help by picking up litter, removing debris, and doing light beautification projects, making parks more welcoming for families and visitors. Park cleanups are great for individuals, families, school groups, service organizations, and businesses looking for a hands-on way to give back. No experience is needed, and supplies are provided — just bring comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and community pride. For questions about the park cleanups, or to schedule one, contact Parks and Recreation!

Adopt-a-Stream focuses on protecting local waterways through litter removal, light maintenance, and environmental stewardship. By keeping streams clean, volunteers help protect wildlife habitats, improve water quality, and reduce pollution downstream. This program is well-suited for environmentally minded individuals, scout groups, schools, and conservation-focused organizations. Volunteers may also help identify pollution issues or erosion concerns, making this a great option for those interested in environmental education and hands-on conservation.

Stay tuned for more information from Lexington Stormwater as this program rolls out in the next few months!

Why is keeping Lexington clean important?

No one wants trash where you live, work, or play. Keeping Lexington clean has important benefits, that can impact everyone:

• Improves safety and visibility along roadways
• Increases property values
• Improves wildlife habitats and water quality
• Enhances park appearances
• Reduces harmful stormwater runoff and pollution downstream
• Strengthens community pride and foster civic responsibility

Why is stormwater runoff a problem? 

Stormwater runoff carries sediment, fertilizers, oil, gas and other particulates that are on the ground into our streams and water bodies.

This stormwater runoff can result in: 

• Rivers, lakes and streams that may be too dirty to fish in, to swim in, or to drink from
• Increased levels of fecal bacteria in the water
• Excess nutrients in the water causing algae blooms, fish kills and increases water treatment costs

Learn more about stormwater and how you can help minimize the impacts of stormwater runoff at Lexington Stormwater.