Community ownership can help solve illegal dumping

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Unsightly household garbage and trash strewn along local roadways certainly isn’t a new issue. While it has been talked about at length, it seems there has been little to no solution produced that will adequately address the problem.

Local residents must take community ownership of this issue by recognizing that it mustn’t be left up to one particular group to solve.

Giving a voice to community concerns about littering and illegal dumping lets county officials know that local residents expect solutions.

How can local residents do that? There are several ways. First off, by reporting blighted areas and roadways that are consistently an issue. This brings attention to the problem and drives home the message that there is an expectation that the issue be addressed.

Another way to lend a voice — by reporting the culprits who are doing the damage. If you see someone illegally dumping their trash, report them to county authorities.

Efforts have been made in the past to examine littering in the local community. A few years back, a group spearheaded by county officials made an effort to explore some solutions, but one of the reasons this continues to be a problem is likely because those efforts lacked consistency. Reporting areas and neighborhoods blighted by garbage helps keep the conversation going and demonstrates that the community has an expectation that the problem will be addressed.

Many residents also believe that a major part of the problem is lack of access to the local convenience centers, and that the limited hours of operation discourage proper discarding of garbage.

While there is never a good, sound justification for dumping one’s garbage along a roadway and not in an appropriate, designated place, this concern needs a voice and should be examined. They only way to find a workable solution is to bring these types of concerns to the forefront.

Not only is illegally dumped garbage an eyesore, it also poses health risks. But when residents feel as though the system is more functional, then they feel a greater sense of pride as citizens because they are doing their part to keep the community cleaner and help the environment.

We must also remember, however, the importance of taking personal ownership and responsibility. Dumping one’s old furniture, appliances and household garbage on the side of the road isn’t just illegal, it’s selfish and demonstrates a complete disregard for others, the community and the environment. It is a poor reflection of this community and it should not be what is allowed to represent Milledgeville and Baldwin County.

This isn’t a county commission problem or an issue for Keep Milledgeville-Baldwin Beautiful to address alone. Everyone can’t see it as a problem, but then expect others to find the solution.

It is time to take ownership of the issue as a community and recognize that it mustn’t be left up to an individual group to solve it. Putting a voice behind this persistent problem is the only way to take control and direct the necessary resources to put an end to the problem.

It’s time to stop being silent on the issue.