Kara Ramos
The Valdosta Daily Times
VALDOSTA —
Dumping unwanted items in undesignated areas is illegal but does occur in the city of Valdosta.
Jaycee Shack Road is one example of an area where individuals have discarded personal items, including refrigerators, televisions, furniture and stoves.
“When we encounter a dump, it is usually around or along the railroad tracks,” John Whitehead III, deputy city manager for operations/public works director, said.
While complaints have been received in the past about dumping on Jaycee Shack Road, there have not been any placed recently, Aaron Strickland, Keep Lowndes/Valdosta Beautiful (KLVB) executive director, said.
Overall, Whitehead said, the city does not have a major issue with illegal dumping.
“There are general areas where we see some discarded items, but I wouldn’t classify them as serious problems,” he said. “We have stepped up patrols in those areas, and we have seen a drop in activity.”
When illegal dumping occurs, the city marshall and code enforcement personnel investigate.
“However, a city marshall, city policeman, county deputy or state trooper is not always there to catch someone in the act,” Strickland said. “Not many people will dump or litter if an official is around.”
Unless someone is caught in the act or paperwork with their
address is left at the site of the dumping, it is difficult to prove who dumped items illegally.
“There are fines in place for littering and dumping,” Strickland said. “But here again, they have to either be caught in the act or leave evidence behind.”
The city’s sanitation ordinance does prohibit littering, and violators will be fined, Whitehead said.
Dumping and littering can be caused by a variety of reasons, including “laziness, a lack of pride for self and community, a feeling of ‘once it leaves my hand it’s not my problem,’ economic ...,” Strickland said.
Education is key to helping reduce illegal dumping and littering.
“At KLVB, we have numerous cleanup and recycling events throughout the year that we partner with the city and county on in an effort to both beautify the area and educate at the same time,” Strickland said.
Rather than dumping items illegally, residents can contact the city to have items picked up for a minimum fee of $10. The fee will “rarely” exceed the minimum, Whitehead said.
Also, curbside trash cans and recycling bins are available for city residents and a permit for trash and recycling drop-off centers is available for county residents.
Those with gently used furniture and appliances they want to get rid of might consider donating to The Salvation Army, Goodwill or the resale store at Habitat for Humanity.
Even with services and education, littering is a never-ending issue.
“I don’t think there will ever be a complete end to the problem,” Strickland said.
For more information, visit www.klvb.net.
City of Valdosta Litter Ordinance
• It shall be unlawful for any person or persons to dump, deposit, throw, leave, cause, or permit the dumping, depositing, placing, throwing, or leaving of litter on any public or private property in the city of Valdosta or any water in this city, unless: (a) The property is designated by the City of Valdosta or by any of its departments for the disposal of litter and the person is authorized by the proper public authority to use such property; (b) The litter is placed into a litter receptacle or container installed on such property; or (c) The person is the owner or tenant in lawful possession of such property or has first obtained consent of the owner or tenant in lawful possession or unless the act is done under the personal direction of the owner or tenant, all in a manner consistent with the public welfare.
• Any person convicted of a violation of any portion of this ordinance shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $500 or be required to work by removing litter, cutting grass or participating in other beautification projects as directed by the court or its designee ...
Source: City of Valdosta
