By NICOLE CARTRETTE

A new way of enforcing litter laws is getting people’s attention.

Unsuspecting individuals who toss trash illegally in Columbus County stand a good chance of receiving a letter in the mail telling them to clean it up or face legal proceedings.

In March, the county Solid Waste Control Office began sending letters to individuals who had a complaint filed against them for littering. Violators who toss trash on others’ private property or on public grounds and roadways are given five days to respond to the letter or be issued a summons to appear before a magistrate.
The letter notifies individuals that a complaint has been filed against them and asks that they respond as soon as they receive it. “I have reason to believe this trash belongs to you,” the letter states, and goes on to note that “proof” is provided on the subsequent page. “Please respond as soon as you get this,” the document reads, pointing out that “illegal dumping is in direct violation” of state law and carries “certain penalties and fines.”

Leroy Sellers, solid waste interim director and public works director, said the new approach has been successful. “It’s really working in some areas,” Sellers said, adding that some rural roads and less populated dirt roads are frequented by trash dumpers.

“We are not trying to scare people,” Sellers said. “I just want people to understand we are doing something about the litter and to those who do litter – I want them to know there are consequences.”

There is fair opportunity for persons to defend themselves if they are not involved in the dumping, he said. There have been cases of individuals unaware that a son or daughter had dumped the trash illegally and household refuse that has fallen from trash trucks on occasion.

But in most cases, he said individuals have no excuse and agree to pick up trash on a stretch of highway near where they littered. Often the accused are surprised to find that littering is taken so seriously or that there was anything or anyone linking them to the abandoned bag of trash, pile of tires or other mess.

It is not uncommon for Sellers to receive phone calls from frustrated residents who have found trash dumped on their property or watched someone litter along roadways. Some go as far as tearing into the bags in search of identifying information on a bill or envelope discarded in the waste. Sellers cautions against it because things like used needles may be in the bags.

Approximately 40 letters have been mailed and three summonses issued since March.

Detailed records of reported incidents are being kept and soon the county will begin using motion detector cameras to catch unsuspecting lawbreakers in the act, Sellers said.

Under state law, persons guilty of noncommercial dumping not exceeding 15 pounds are guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor and face up to a $1,000 fine and eight hours of community service. Subsequent noncommercial offenses or disposal of more than 15 pounds could result in fines up to $2,000 and 16 to 50 hours of community service. If the violation involves use of a vehicle and the person is found guilty in court, a point may be added to the person’s license by the Division of Motor Vehicles.

Amounts exceeding 500 pounds, commercial dumping and discarding hazardous waste are Class I felonies. Vehicles involved in the disposal of more than 500 pounds are subject to seizure and forfeiture to the state.

The annual “Fall Litter Sweep” is planned for Sept. 16, kicking off a 14-day celebration of keeping the county clean and free of litter. Individuals, businesses and civic organizations are encouraged to participate. For more information contact solid waste control at 641-3953.