VALDOSTA —
Like it or not, the collection/recycling centers in Lowndes County will close on Feb. 3. The choice was between finding a way to fund the $600,000 annual shortfall to run the centers through fees or taxes, or go to a county-wide collection service. The county commission opted for the latter choice.
In order for your trash to be collected at your home, you must contact Advanced Disposal as soon as possible so they can deliver the trash can and get your service started. Past Feb. 3, you have no other alternative for household garbage.
Other counties much smaller and much poorer than ours have gone to mandatory curbside service in recent years and done just fine. The city has had mandatory service for a number of years and no one complains, so hopefully county residents will also adjust in time.
However, just because some people don’t agree with the new ordinance doesn’t mean they can flaunt the law and throw their trash on the highway, dump it illegally, or burn it illegally. Burn permits are allowed with some restrictions and they are free, but only small garden spots and natural vegetation can legally be burned. Household garbage, plastics, etc., are illegal to burn, with or without a burn permit.
With the curbside decision made and ready to be implemented, hopefully the county will step up enforcement against illegal dumping and illegal burning to prevent toxic pollutants from entering our air or ground water.
Hopefully, county officials are prepared to meet the challenge of enforcement while county residents meet the challenges of change.
What We Think
Trash: Preparing for change
- What We Think
-
-
New era at the Boys and Girls Club
Next week on June 1, it will be the official end of an era at the Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta when Robert Soper hands over responsibility for the organization to the new Chief Professional Officer Jim Wink.
-
Thank you, EMS
We always pull over for them, but we rarely seem to thank them.
-
Tornado: An aftermath of help
Seeing the massive path of destruction left in the wake of tornadoes in Oklahoma Monday was a sobering reminder of the power of spring storms.
-
Thoughts on graduation
Graduation ceremonies reflect how life marches on. For the students receiving their diplomas and degrees, graduation is a culmination of the majority of their lives’ work.
-
Thumbs up, thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. John Gaston, retiring dean of Valdosta State University’s College of the Arts. For the past 10-plus years, Gaston has worked to build a more interconnected program with various artistic and communications departments working together. Given that you are likely to see one College of the Arts department collaborating with another during events is proof of Gaston’s success.
-
On the go this weekend
Take a breath.
-
Sharing the roads with motorcycles
With the recent pleasant temperatures and sunny skies, the number of motorcycles on area roads has increased.
-
Thank your local law enforcement today
Today, May 15, was designated Peace Officers Memorial Day back in 1962 when President John F. Kennedy was in office.
-
Visit musical roots this weekend
Beginning Saturday, May 18, Nashville, Ga., will be hosting a special Smithsonian exhibit, “New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music.” The exhibit will continue through the end of June and Nashville has done a tremendous job in promoting and planning for the exhibit.
-
Happy Mother’s Day!
A few years ago, a television commercial asked, Who first believed in you? Many folks may have instinctively answered by simply saying, Mom.
- More What We Think Headlines
-
New era at the Boys and Girls Club
