Lexington Residents Rally Against Mandatory Curbside Garbage Pickup Proposal

Lexington Residents Speak Out Against Curbside Garbage Pickup!

Lexington, SC – It was a lively night at last week’s public hearing, where residents gathered to voice their opinions about the proposal for mandatory curbside garbage pickup. The atmosphere was charged with spirited conversations, and residents made one thing clear: they weren’t thrilled about being told what to do with their trash!

Residents Prefer Their Own Trash Solutions

Councilmember Todd Cullum, who has been part of the council for years, kicked off the meeting by explaining the reasoning behind the proposal. “We’ve been discussing this every few years since I joined the council,” Cullum remarked. “This first reading was a chance for us to hear from you—our valued residents.” After listening to the feedback, it became evident that the locals wanted to keep their current system, which allows them the freedom of choice.

The current arrangement permits residents to either contract with private haulers for curbside pickup or to haul their trash to one of the county’s convenience stations. These stations are open on select days, making it relatively easy for those who prefer to manage their trash themselves.

How Does It Work Now?

For those unfamiliar, here’s the scoop: if you want to stick with curbside pickup, you can choose a local hauler in your area. Not a fan of curbside? No problem! Just load up your truck and head over to one of the convenience stations during their operating hours. The stations are open Sunday afternoons, and all day on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday!

Additionally, waste can be taken to the county’s Edmund landfill when the convenience stations are closed. Household garbage is deposited in a designated transfer building, while yard waste, organic materials, and construction debris are taken to further depths of the landfill, where they’re hidden from sight by a big ol’ tractor.

A Real Challenge

Cullum emphasized that managing solid waste is no small feat. “From the day a baby is born until they pass, people create waste that needs handling,” he explained, underscoring that the task goes beyond simply picking up trash. Despite the clear resistance to the proposal, Cullum thinks there could be some changes down the line.

What’s Next? Future Improvements

“Just because people want things to stay the same doesn’t mean they *will* stay the same forever,” he cautioned. Cullum foresees a need for more convenience stations in the future to meet the increasing demands of our growing population. He also suggested the possibility of dedicated zones in urban areas where curbside pickup might become the norm.

For Cullum, who resides in a city that already has mandatory curbside pickup funded through taxes, he understands that sometimes the convenience stations are just too tempting! “Even I find myself visiting the convenience station every now and then—especially around the holidays!” he chuckled.

The Verdict

As it stands now, Lexington County will not be implementing a mandate for curbside pickup. People who desire this service can opt into it, but please, remember that it’s completely voluntary! For the time being, residents can rest easy knowing that they can manage their trash how they see fit.

As Lexington moves forward, the theme is clear—residents appreciate their flexibility when it comes to solid waste management, and they want to keep it that way.

If you have more ideas or feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out—your opinion matters!

Stay Tuned!

This is just one chapter in an ongoing conversation about our community’s needs and preferences. Keep your ears open for more updates and discussions in the coming months!