Officials making dent in litter problem
By Staff
Melissa Cason
The Franklin County Litter Control Officer and the Solid Waste Department are beginning to make headway in the county's litter problem as the program marks its first anniversary.
Solid Waste Director Phillip Wilson said that eight major dumpsites have been cleaned up over the past year, and that efforts are being made to keep the sites clean.
"We try to go back every few months to keep the sites clean," Wilson said. "That way, it only takes a few hours to clean it up instead of a full day like before."
Wilson said that over the past year Litter Officer Adrian Pinkard and the litter crew of inmates from the Franklin County Jail collected over 200,00 pounds-or 100 tons-of trash from along the roadsides.
"Most of the stuff collected over the last year was from the roadside which consists of cans, bottles, paper goods, wrappers and other things typically thrown out the car window," Wilson said.
While the litter program has made some great strides in the last year, Wilson said that will be looking to enforcement the laws of littering more strictly in the coming months.
"If we find a name [at a dump site] then you can bet we are going to that person to get the site cleaned up," Wilson said.
He added that the first course of action in such cases is to give those responsible 30 days to clean the area up. If the matter is not resolved, Wilson said that the case will go to court.
"The fine for littering is up to $500, but that is only for misdemeanor offenses," Wilson said.
He added that there are laws on the books making dumping hazardous materials such as chemicals and old tires. Those caught with this kind of littering can be charged with a Class C felony, which carries a punishment of one year and one day to 10 years in prison upon conviction.
Wilson said that his office has received many phone calls about the litter program in the county, and the public in general is enjoying the less litter along the roadside.
"We picked up 200,000 pounds over this course of the year," Wilson said. "That 200,000 pounds that was out there but is not anymore thanks to the litter program."
