State of the County: Litter Task Force

Keep Marion County Beautiful

BY STACIE CAUSEY

Marion County’s scenic roads running over rolling hills and under live oak canopies can be a sight for sore eyes. But litter along the roadside is a prominent and preventable eyesore.

Tossing your trash out the window might not seem like a big deal, but the consequences to our county and your wallet far outweigh the convenience.

It seems common knowledge that littering has serious impacts on our environment. Roadside litter is just as dangerous to wildlife as it is unattractive. Birds swooping toward a candy wrapper or land animals gathering tossed food are at risk of being hit by traffic --not to mention the risk to wildlife and people from contaminating our drinking water with pollution from chemicals unable to be absorbed before entering our water supply and harmful pieces of litter such as broken glass and soda rings.

Litter cleanup is also expensive. Last year, taxpayers footed the bill for nearly $1 million to pick up litter in Marion County after factoring in wages, equipment costs and other expenses.

Finally … littering is against the law and can have serious consequences.

Punishments for litter violations range from a $50 fine all the way to a $500 fine and 10 days in jail or community service. For commercial dumping or littering of more than 500 pounds, you could earn a $5,000 fine and 5 years in state prison.

What are we doing?

In addition to our community involvement programs, on-campus education appearances and partnerships for local cleanups, Marion County recently established a Litter Control Task Force dedicated to curbing litter in our community.

The task force consists of seven voting members appointed by each county commissioner, the sheriff and the School Board superintendent. They are joined by several advisory members representing municipalities, state agencies, law enforcement and commercial waste haulers.

This diverse committee will be preparing a report to recommend strategies to reduce litter and illegal dumping in Marion County. They’ll be considering a wide range of viewpoints, researching what has worked in other communities, and making sure any options considered are fiscally responsible for our residents.

What can you do?

USE OUR RECYCLING CENTERS Marion County operates 18 locations throughout the county where trash and recyclables can be safely and legally discarded. Residents of unincorporated Marion County pay a solid waste assessment fee to use these facilities, and residents of municipalities can purchase a permit to use these centers as well.

For more information and a list of recycling centers, visit marionfl.org/solidwaste.

TARP YOUR TRASH A lot of the litter along Marion County’s roadsides starts in the bed of a truck. Florida laws for litter escaping a vehicle apply to every driver and owner hauling anything along any public road or highway open to the public. So, make sure to tie down your cargo. And if you’re hauling loose cargo, cover it securely with a tarp.

ADOPT A ROAD You can help us curb litter and keep Marion County beautiful! Join one of our 40 groups of volunteers or start a group of your own and adopt two miles of roadway through our Adopt a Road program. We provide trash bags, protective equipment, safety items, and a commemorative road sign to groups that choose to adopt a roadway.

Registering to adopt your stretch of road at marionfl.org/adoptaroad.

TAKE OUR SURVEY The Litter Control Task Force is currently conducting a survey to gauge public opinion about litter in our county. Make your voice heard by visiting surveymonkey.com/r/7TM82XB.

Stacie Causey is a public information officer for the Marion County government.