Lexington County Looks to Tackle Trash Collection Troubles
Lexington County, SC – It seems like the county has reached a tipping point with its trash collection services. On Tuesday, the Lexington County Council voted to propose a special tax district aimed at handling waste collection in areas outside the cities and towns. This move comes in response to persistent complaints from residents dealing with unreliable trash pick-up services.
What’s the Problem?
Residents have been expressing their frustrations for quite some time, and it’s not hard to see why. Recently, Lexington County Administrator Lynn Sturkie revealed that the department’s solid waste team received a staggering 280 complaints in just August. Many of these issues stemmed from basic service failings, with residents noting that pick-ups were inconsistent and often didn’t happen on the same day every week. As Solid Waste Director Lee McIntyre pointed out, one of the top complaints was about yard waste collection, which sometimes goes for weeks without a pick-up.
“They’ll pick up the trash for those who complain, but skip others on the same street. It creates a lot of frustration,” McIntyre explained during a council meeting on Sept. 17. With complaints on the rise, Councilman Darrell Hudson lightheartedly joked that he was passing frustrations on to McIntyre’s office, hinting at the backlog in concerns.
A Plan in Motion
Seeking a solution to these ongoing issues, the council voted on a proposal for a government-funded waste collection program that would serve all county citizens. While the motion still requires final approval, it marks a significant step forward in addressing the trash woes of Lexington County.
The idea behind creating a special tax district is straightforward: to have a consistent and reliable waste collection method for all residents. Council members are hoping that, by making trash collection a public service, they can alleviate the burden on those facing inconsistent private hauler services, especially in rural areas.
What Will It Cost?
When discussing the potential pricing, there wasn’t a firm number attached yet. However, past estimates suggested that a countywide program could cost each household about $258 annually. It’s interesting to note that this is a relatively affordable option compared to other nearby counties such as Richland County, where residents pay around $368 for a comparable service.
Some council members raised concerns about whether a new fee in the hundreds of dollars would attract the approximately half of county residents who currently don’t utilize curbside collection. As Chairwoman Beth Carrigg aptly pointed out, the decision should also consider those residents who may be driving to collection sites weekly, which also incurs costs.
Why It Matters
This proposal seems to be a crucial move not just for convenience but also for safety. Carrigg illustrated a glaring issue when a vendor’s truck accidentally dumped a bag of trash that scattered injection needles across the road. It’s these types of scenarios that underscore the need for a cohesive and comprehensive solution.
As the council moves forward with its initial approval, the next step involves gathering public input. Councilman Todd Cullum emphasized the importance of hearing community voices through scheduled hearings on the matter.
Moving Forward
With a vote of 5-2 in favor, it seems the county is finally ready to tackle the trash problem head-on. Whether or not this plan will pass through all levels of approval and how the community reacts remains to be seen. One thing is clear: changes in trash collection are on the horizon in Lexington County.
As residents hold their breath in anticipation for the pricing and final details, the hope is that waste collection will evolve into a smoother, more reliable process for everyone involved.
