State’s Anti-Litter Campaign Celebrates 30 Years

DALLAS (AP) — The Don't Mess With Texas anti-litter campaign has been around for 30 years with more chances to pick up trash across the state.

The Texas Department of Transportation on Wednesday marked the slogan's 30th anniversary with plans to display, in Dallas, some trash picked up along highways.

Boy Scouts across Texas can try to earn a special merit badge to mark the anniversary by taking part in a trash-off Saturday targeting roads. The partnership involves TxDOT and the group Keep Texas Beautiful.

TxDOT officials say about 1,500 trash-off events were held last year across the state. About 85,000 volunteers collecting more than 10 million pounds of waste and recyclables.

The Don't Mess With Texas campaign has included advertisements with celebrities including George Strait, Willie Nelson, Matthew McConaughey and LeAnn Rimes.