Resident wants tougher punishments
A growing concern has emerged that challenges the cleanliness and environmental integrity of Mitchell County: the need for more frequent trash pickups.
Residents have increasingly noticed the unsightly presence of litter along our roads, in our parks, and around our homes, signaling a pressing need for action.
The accumulation of waste not only detracts from the beauty of our community but also poses significant environmental risks, affecting local wildlife and contributing to pollution. The situation has prompted discussions among community members and local officials about potential solutions to address this escalating issue.
Lynn Chapmin, a vocal advocate for a cleaner community, has called for drastic measures to combat the litter problem.
Chapmin said she is concerned about litter along the highway, particularly in the Halltown Road area and near the Altapass convenience and recycling centers. She said she has stopped and picked up trash along these roads and wishes fines were stiffer for people who litter.
“[The penalty] for littering should go from $250 to $5000,” Lynn Chapmin said. “People should be held responsible.”
In North Carolina the penalty for intentional littering in the amount of 15 pounds or less is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $250 to $1,000 and up to 24 hours of community service. Unintentional littering in the amount of 15 pounds or less is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $100 and up to 12 hours of community service.
Mitchell County makes it easy and convenient for residents to dispose of solid waste. The county operates four recycling and convenience centers located throughout the county. These centers accept household trash and recyclable materials such as glass, aluminum, newspaper, mixed paper, cardboard, and plastic milk and soft drink containers. The centers also accept white goods (appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, washers, and dryers), electronics, pesticide containers, tires, and metals.
An attendant staffs each center during operation hours. In addition to the four recycling convenience centers, the department operates a mobile unit that travels to five different locations in the county. The mobile unit attendant can accept household trash, newspaper, mixed paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum cans, and plastic containers.
Convenience Centers
There are four convenience/recycling centers located within the county: 2097 Altapass Highway, Spruce Pine; 2771-220 A S. North Carolina 226, Bakersville; 12498 NC 226 at Hughes Gap Road in Buladean; and 661 NC 197 in the Red Hill community. All are open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28 during winter hours and 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 to Oct. 31.
Mobile Unit
The mobile unit is open from noon to 5 p.m., Nov. 1 to Feb. 28 during winter hours and from noon to 6 p.m. March 1 to Oct. 31.
The mobile unit schedule is: Monday, at Chestnut Grove in Little Switzerland; Tuesday, near Thomas Grocery in the Glen Ayre community; Wednesday, Cane Creek in the Hawk Community; Thursday, Southside of US Hwy 19-E in the Estatoe community; and Friday at Bailey Settlement Church in the Poplar community.
The Mitchell/Yancey landfill is located on NC Hwy 80 in Yancey County and is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Adopt-A-Highway
In response to growing public concern about trash and debris along North Carolina’s roadways, the N.C. Department of Transportation established the Adopt-a-Highway program in 1988. Since then, tens of thousands of volunteers have reduced litter and also saved taxpayers millions of dollars annually in roadside cleanup costs.
Adopt-A-Highway has more than 120,000 participants across the state — civic and community groups, including schools, religious, professional and social organizations, as well as individuals and families.
There is no fee to be part of the program, but NCDOT asks volunteer groups to commit at least four years to a 2-mile stretch of roadway. Litter cleanups happen a minimum of four times a year, and sometimes more on heavily traveled roads.
NCDOT installs two Adopt-A-Highway signs with a recognition panel on the adopted roadway and provides training and materials so volunteers can safely carry out their goals.
Visit ncdot.com to learn more about the program and find roadways in Mitchell County that are available for adopting.