The Unsung Heroes: How Two Men Transformed Oregon’s Highways by Removing 240,000 Pounds of Trash

Every day, thousands of drivers pass litter-strewn highways without a second thought—until now. Two dedicated individuals, John Carter and Mike Reynolds, have taken on the enormous task of cleaning up Oregon’s roadways, removing a staggering 240,000 pounds of trash in just under a year. Their mission? To restore the state’s natural beauty and inspire others to take action.

Who Are These Modern-Day Environmental Warriors?

John and Mike aren’t government employees or paid contractors—they’re just two ordinary citizens who grew tired of seeing their beloved state buried under garbage. Armed with gloves, trash grabbers, and sheer determination, they’ve spent countless hours combing through ditches, medians, and rest stops, hauling away everything from fast-food wrappers to abandoned furniture.

• John Carter – A retired teacher who started cleaning highways as a personal project.
• Mike Reynolds – A local business owner who joined forces with John after witnessing his efforts.

The Shocking Truth About Highway Litter

Most people don’t realize the extent of the problem until they see it firsthand. According to recent data:

1. Oregon spends over $7 million annually on highway cleanup.
2. Plastic waste makes up 40% of roadside trash.
3. Discarded items often take decades to decompose.

How You Can Help

John and Mike are proof that change starts with individuals. Here’s how you can contribute:

• Adopt a Highway: Volunteer programs allow groups to maintain stretches of road.
• Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable containers to curb waste.
• Report Illegal Dumping: Many states have hotlines for reporting offenders.

What Do You Think?

• Should states impose heavier fines on littering to deter offenders?
• Would mandatory community cleanup programs be effective or overreach?
• Is it time for corporations to fund more cleanup initiatives?
• Are volunteer efforts enough, or should governments enforce stricter policies?