Lexington County Trash Plan Tossed Aside
In a surprising turn of events, the residents of Lexington County can breathe a sigh of relief for now. At a recent county council meeting, officials decided to throw out a controversial proposal aimed at implementing countywide garbage collection for the first time ever! This decision came just moments before a public hearing where many locals voiced their opposition to the idea of mandatory trash pickup.
Public Outcry Against Mandatory Services
The current system allows residents in unincorporated parts of Lexington County the freedom to choose private waste collectors. However, as you might guess, this has led to some grumbles about inconsistent and at times unreliable service. Many folks have been left frustrated as their neighbors opt for different services or none at all, leading to the great trash disparity seen in certain areas.
Residents have been actively using the 11 collection sites the county maintains, driven by an influx of new faces moving into Lexington. However, the proposal would have created an annual charge for trash collection, estimated previously at $258 per household when this idea cropped up back in 2021. In comparison, neighboring Richland County charges $368 for similar services, including recycling and yard debris removal.
The backlash was palpable. Louan Caron, a resident who spoke out during the meeting, expressed the sentiment of many others by stating, “Regular trash collection might be great for a community, but if you’re in a rural area and have a half-mile long driveway, you don’t want to drag it down there.” She added that with the wildlife around, her trash could easily be scattered all over the place, making the entire situation a hassle.
Choice and Control Matter
Joyce Mize, another resident, highlighted the desire many have for autonomy. “I want to have a choice in how I want to spend my money,” Mize commented. She further explained, “I take my own trash to the dump. I don’t need extra bills.” This echoes a broader concern among county residents feeling that the proposed changes compromised their personal preferences regarding waste management.
Solid Waste Director Lee McIntyre weighed in on the conversation, arguing that the current system is “not sustainable.” He pointed out that lower participation on certain streets might lead to missed pickups, emphasizing that “if there’s only two or three on a street, you might miss people.” The logistics of the current arrangement could potentially cost residents more money in the long run, should private companies rush to meet varying demands.
The Council’s Stance on a Solution
While some council members hoped to find a middle ground by excluding rural areas with more clustered housing from the mandatory trash pick-up plan, they hit a snag. Councilman Scott Whetstone suggested, “We need to do this in planning developments of ten homes or more, but not the entire county.” However, Council Chair Beth Carrigg reminded everyone that current state law doesn’t allow for tailored solutions. “The Legislature would need to allow overlay districts for more populous areas,” she explained.
With this recent vote, Lexington County has returned to its existing system of waste management; for now, at least. Residents are left with their choices and free to continue dragging bags down their long driveways or heading to the nearest collection site. Though the dust has settled on this proposal, it’s clear that discussions surrounding the county’s waste collection will continue into the future.
What’s Next for Lexington County?
Will there be another push for countywide collection down the line? Only time will tell. For the moment, the residents of Lexington County are enjoying their independence regarding trash disposal — and who knows? Maybe the county will come back with a new plan that caters better to its diverse community. After all, when it comes to something as personal as garbage collection, it’s all about making sure everyone’s voice is heard!
