A drive through Columbia often yields something that concerns city officials: a plethora of trash along roadsides.
Cups, bags, cans, papers and more can be found on along area roadways, and Mayor Justin McKenzie said he is concerned.
“Recently, the Municipal Work Program picked up 18 bags of trash along North Main and Evergreen streets,” he said.
At recent Board of Aldermen meetings, Board members have mentioned problems with litter. Ward 4 Alderman Mike Smith, whose ward contains the streets McKenzie mentioned, said at a recent meeting that he and other citizens had picked up trash in the area of North Main Street only to find more trash along the roadsides a few days later.
McKenzie encouraged residents to do their part in helping to keep the city clean.
“The citizens have to do their part in taking care of the community,” he said. “It’s really tough for us to try and work on maintenance and upkeep throughout town while having to take personnel and send them to pick up someone else’s trash.”
McKenzie said some of the trash comes from people hauling items and some is litter and offered some solutions.
“Secure your loads in the beds of trucks or on trailers,” he said. “If it blows out, stop and pick it up.”
The city’s recycling center is located on Old Foxworth Road and is open on Fridays from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon.
