Lexington County Takes Steps Towards a New Trash Collection System
In Lexington County, residents have been facing challenges with trash collection, particularly in the outlying areas. After hearing numerous complaints about inconsistent service, the Lexington County Council recently decided to reassess their waste management approach. This past Tuesday, the council took a significant step by voting to create a special tax district that will cover all unincorporated areas of the county, outside of its cities and towns. The goal? To implement a more reliable waste collection service for county residents.
Addressing Ongoing Complaints
For many residents, the struggles with trash collection haven’t been new news. Over recent months, it has become increasingly clear that the current collection system isn’t meeting the needs of its users. County Administrator Lynn Sturkie mentioned during a committee meeting that “a lot of citizens have reached out about pick-up issues with a current vendor.” This reflects the growing frustration among residents over inconsistent pick-up days and missed collections.
According to Solid Waste Director Lee McIntyre, his department received a staggering 280 complaints in August alone. He noted that the complaints mostly revolved around two main issues: “They’re not picking up on the same day,” and “the biggest is that they’re not picking up yard waste.” This inconsistency has made life difficult for many, especially with reports of yard waste sitting unattended for weeks.
The Proposal for a Countywide Solution
The council’s proposal aims to create a publicly funded waste collection program available for all county residents. However, some rural residents are expressing their reluctance to pay for curbside pickup when they’ve traditionally managed their own waste disposal. Councilman Darrell Hudson humorously remarked, “I got tired of taking trash complaints so I gave them your number,” reflecting the council’s recognition of the widespread concern.
In light of these complaints, council members emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive solution. As it stands, the county is grappling with an inadequate number of trucks available for the vendor currently contracted for waste collection. McIntyre noted that the vendor has even resorted to using rental trucks to keep up with demand.
A Look Back in Time
This isn’t the first time that Lexington County has contemplated changing its trash management system. Back in 2021, the council considered rolling out a countywide program due to increasing pressure from residents. The solid waste department estimated at that time that such a program would cost around $258 per household per year. They compared their findings against the current systems in other counties, specifically Richland County and the smaller Marion and Marlboro counties.
For comparison, Richland County charges around $368 for their comprehensive service, which includes household waste, yard debris, and recycling. Meanwhile, smaller counties like Marion and Marlboro charge less, coming in at approximately $228 and $235 for their services. The council members are now trying to determine if a new charge in the hundreds would appeal to the estimated half of county residents who currently don’t sign up for curbside collection.
The Council’s Next Steps
During the meeting, council members displayed a variety of opinions on the financial implications of this potential system. While some noted that it might be an adjustment for residents used to managing waste differently, Chairwoman Beth Carrigg pointed out that “not everybody can burn it in their back of their lot,” indicating the challenges many face in rural areas. Furthermore, it’s crucial to recognize that a sustainable plan needs to be beneficial to *everyone* in the community.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the council approved the countywide program in an initial vote, even as details regarding pricing remain in the works. Councilman Todd Cullum indicated that they are moving forward so the public can weigh in on this pressing issue, emphasizing the importance of community feedback in their decision-making process.
As Lexington County navigates these changes ahead, one thing is clear: residents and leaders alike remain committed to finding a trash collection solution that works for everyone. Stay tuned, as updates will continue to unfold in the coming weeks.
