Lexington County Residents Say No to Countywide Garbage Collection!
Proposed Plan Tossed Out After Public Pushback
In a surprising turn of events, Lexington County has officially decided to scrap its ambitious plan for countywide garbage collection, much to the relief of many residents who voiced their concerns during a recent meeting. The county council made the decision at a meeting held on Tuesday, just ahead of a public hearing where citizens expressed strong opposition to the idea of mandatory trash collection.
Current Trash Collection Setup
As things stand, residents living outside city limits can choose from a variety of private trash collection services. While this may sound convenient, it has resulted in some complaints regarding the inconsistency of service. Some areas experience reliable pick-up schedules, while others find their trash left uncollected for days. To add to that, the county operates 11 waste collection sites, which have seen increased traffic as more residents make Lexington their home. Unfortunately, the burgeoning population has intensified the need for a more reliable garbage disposal system.
The Proposal: A Costly Commitment
The proposed countywide garbage collection system would have mandated that all residents pay a uniform annual fee—one that officials estimated to be around $258 for each household. For context, neighboring Richland County already offers a similar service that includes recycling and yard waste removal but at a higher price tag of $368 a year.
However, with around half of the county’s residents opting out of any collection service, the thought of being forced to pay for something they didn’t want raised quite a few eyebrows and even some tempers. Many folks indicated they were perfectly content managing their own trash disposal.
What the Residents Are Saying
One resident, Louan Caron, brought up a valid concern that struck a chord with many others in the area. She pointed out that in more rural sections, “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.” Caron also mentioned the potential hazards posed by wildlife, saying trash bins can easily be knocked over by animals.
Another resident, Joyce Mize, passionately stated, “I want to have a choice in how I want to spend my money.” Mize herself prefers to take her trash to the dump rather than deal with extra bills for service she doesn’t need.
The Council’s Stance
On the other side of the argument, Solid Waste Director Lee McIntyre expressed concern over the sustainability of the existing patchwork system. He explained, “If there’s only two or three on a street, you might miss people. The drivers are looking at maps and trying to remember addresses.” McIntyre argued that a more unified approach would be more efficient overall.
There was some discussion among council members about potentially tailoring the services to accommodate rural regions versus urban developments. Councilman Scott Whetstone suggested that the county should implement this service for planned developments of ten homes or more. Unfortunately, council chair Beth Carrigg noted that current state law does not allow for such distinctions and would mean a one-size-fits-all approach.
Looking Ahead
So, for now, it seems that residents of Lexington County can breathe a sigh of relief as they continue managing their waste the way they have, at least until another proposal comes around. With public input truly making a difference, it’s a clear indication that local voices matter in shaping community decisions. Here’s hoping that any future plans for trash collection take into account the unique needs of the county’s diverse residents!
