An economic model of Adopt-a-Highway programmes

In many jurisdictions around the world there occurs a phenomenon that is not only unique but defies a simple explanation. This activity involves the private provision of a public good by individuals, acting in groups, in response to the illegal actions of other individuals. This private provision of a public good involves cleaning litter from roads and highways and manifests itself through an 'Adopt-a-Highway' or road programme sanctioned by local, state, provincial and even national governments. The goal of this paper is to demonstrate that there is a rational economic framework to explain the illegal activity of dumping waste on a roadside and the response by those who participate in an Adopt-a-Highway programme. Our model provides a starting point for considering policies which might enhance the formation and effectiveness of this volunteer activity.