An estimated 10 tonnes of rubbish is being cleared from the A38 dual carriageway in Amber Valley.
Rubbish will be collected from over 30 miles of verges across 10 miles of road network as part of the £6,000 clear up operation commissioned by Amber Valley Borough Council.
By doing the clear up in partnership with Highways Agency contractors, Aone+, the council saves having to commission expensive lane closures, saving up to £22,000 each year.
This the second year the council has taken part in the scheme and work should go on into September.
Specially trained staff working for Aone+ are carrying out grass cutting from Coxbench to Alfreton.
The savings are achieved by clearing litter along side the contractors before the grass it cut, and by not having to close lanes exclusively.
A traffic management system will be used to slow traffic close to the areas being cleared. The work is being done overnight between 8pm and 6am.
Coun Liz Bowley, Cabinet Member for Green and Thriving Places to Live said: “Our innovative partnership with the Highways Agency has saved tens of thousands of pounds. Of course, that cost would be further reduced if inconsiderate motorists kept their litter in their vehicles instead of using the hard shoulder as a litter bin!”
McDonald’s Restaurant in Somercotes is also supporting the clear-up by providing some sponsorship and refreshments for the workers.
People can be fined up to £80 on the spot for dropping litter or sent to court if they refuse to pay and fined a maximum of £2,500 (Environmental Protection Act 1990). More details about fly tipping can be found at: www.ambervalley.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/fly-tipping.aspx