Ecology Youth Corps

Created in 1976, the Washington State Ecology Youth Corps employs 14- to 17-year-olds for litter cleanup along highways over the summer. Youths are paid minimum wage for a one month session. The number of youths employed varies depending on the budget, though typically 400 are hired. Litter crews are typically composed of 5 to 6 youths and a supervisor. There are also crews of adults (18 and up) who are allowed to clean the more dangerous medians. Median crew workers are paid $10/hour.