As summer rolls in with its promise of leisure and open roads, Wake County issues a call to its residents to actively participate in keeping those roadsides clean. With litter peaking in these warmer months, the county's latest initiative arms community members with the tools necessary to take action. A press release from Wake County highlights the availability of free litter kits, which include essentials such as garbage bags, safety vests, and litter grabbers. These kits, designed to tackle the waste that scars our environment, can be borrowed for a period of two weeks and are meant to encourage resident groups to clean the roads as part of their summer activities.
In one year alone, the mobilization of Wake County's residents led to the collection of 245 bags of trash, totaling 1.65 tons of litter. Wake County Commissioner Cheryl Stallings, who witnessed the litter accumulate during the warmer seasons, voiced her concerns about the pressing environmental issue. With families spending ample time outdoors, she expressed, "Roadside litter is an easily preventable problem, but we all have a part to play in solving it."
In addition to communal cleanup efforts, there are practical steps individuals can take to mitigate roadside littering. The county advises properly securing loads while traveling and responsibly disposing of all waste in designated areas, particularly at camping sites, picnic areas, and during outdoor events. Furthermore, embracing recycling and reusing materials stands as a crucial preventative measure.
Yet, when proactive approaches fall short and litterbugs mar the county's roadsides, the community has recourse. Rather than standing idly by, Wake County empowers its residents to take action by either contacting the State Highway Patrol or utilizing the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Swat-a-Litterbug app to report such offenses. This tool serves as a guardian of environmental decency, enabling individuals to contribute to the upkeep of scenic trails and communal spaces maintaining Wake County’s charm.
