Lexington County Weighs Mandatory Curbside Trash Pickup Ordinance Amid Mixed Reactions

Lexington County Considers New Trash Pickup Ordinance

Lexington County is buzzing with talk about a new proposed law that would change how residents handle their trash. Currently, many folks living in the unincorporated areas of the county have the option to opt-out of using curbside trash pickup. But this could all change very soon!

What’s on the Table?

As it stands, residents can subscribe to trash pickup services that cost anywhere from $20.62 to $35.18 a month. Nearly 39,200 households — about one-third of the county’s 110,400 homes — are already enjoying this service. The county council held its first reading of the ordinance on October 8, with hopes of making curbside trash pickup mandatory for everyone.

Concerns from Council Members

While some see this as a step towards better waste management, there are voices of dissent from council members, including Larry Brigham and Charli Wessinger, who voted against the move. Wessinger, who represents parts of Chapin, Irmo, and Lexington, expressed her discomfort with what she calls a “blank check.” She stated, “We have no idea how much it’s going to cost,” highlighting that many of her constituents are worried about additional fees. After all, with the rising cost of living, many are struggling to balance their budgets as it is.

A Broader Look at Costs

In South Carolina, currently, only three counties have mandatory curbside pickup: Richland, Marion, and Marlboro. Their annual fees range from $228 to $368, putting pressure on those households. If Lexington County decides to go down this road, how much will residents have to fork out? Right now, that information is still up in the air!

What Would the Change Bring?

Director of Solid Waste for the county, Lee McIntyre, argues that a mandatory pickup would actually make life easier for residents. “If you put it in the cart at the curb, you know when it gets serviced, the trash is gone,” he explained. With this system, residents wouldn’t have to deal with the hassle of loading trash into their cars and finding a collection site. It would simplify the process and help keep the community tidy!

McIntyre also noted that mandatory pickup could make the job easier for drivers. “When you have new or substitute drivers on a route, they might miss a home because they don’t see a container sitting out,” he added. A uniform service could streamline garbage collection, allowing drivers to stop at every home and manage routes more efficiently.

A Road Ahead

Lexington County is continuing to grow, and with that growth comes challenges relating to waste management. If the ordinance is passed, it could mean a smoother, more efficient way for residents to dispose of their waste. But for now, all eyes are on the upcoming public hearing scheduled for November 12. The community’s voice will undoubtedly help determine the future of trash services in Lexington.

What Do You Think?

As this discussion unfolds, many residents find themselves weighing the pros and cons. Will a mandatory service provide worthwhile benefits, or will it place a financial burden on families trying to make ends meet? Your opinion matters, and as this conversation progresses, it’s important to stay engaged and share your thoughts with local leaders.

In the meantime, if you have concerns or ideas about this proposed trash pickup ordinance, don’t hesitate to reach out to council members. They are eager to hear from you and understand how this law could impact your daily life!

We’ll keep you updated on the outcome of the November public hearing and any further developments surrounding Lexington County’s trash services. Stay tuned and let your voice be heard!