Hart County’s Code Enforcement officer says the problem of roadside trash and illegal dumping in the county is becoming epidemic.

At their meeting last week, the Hart County Board of Commissioners heard from Randall Graham.

Graham says at least 44 county roads have trash and litter that needs to be cleaned up.

“We have an epidemic in the County,” Graham told the Board. “I’ll be glad to take to you some of these roads. I’ve got 44 to get done. And I want some direction on what y’all want me to do.”

Graham told the Board in addition to just littering, many people are not using a trash pick up service or taking their trash to a convenience center.

Instead, he says they’re just dumping their bags of trash either in the woods or on the side of the road.

“A lot of people dumping stuff. People have dumped beds, chairs, garbage, whatever,” he said. “There’s not a place in this county that doesn’t have a problem with it. Something has to be done to preserve our County for our grandchildren.”

Board Chair Ricky Carter suggested local law enforcement get involved in writing citations.

“If we could get law enforcement to help us out with this. We’ve got the State Patrol in this County now. If we could say, ‘Hey y’all help us do this. Pay attention to what you’re looking at and if it gets to be an issue, start writing those citations’ If people start getting citations, they’re going to think twice before they throw their trash out.”

Carter also suggested partnering with the City to hold community clean up days and use prison work details to clean up roadsides.

The board then thanked Graham for his hard work and concern and said they would continue to do work with him to help get the roads cleared of trash.