BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – Fannin County is teaming up with law enforcement, Advanced Disposal, and residents to address the littering that is taking place throughout the county. Chief Land Development Officer Marie Woody presented the Stop The Littering Campaign.

According to the Keep America Beautiful Campaign, 70 percent of roadway litter is caused by motorists and pedestrians and 20 percent is caused by unsecured loads.

Fannin County is hoping to lower these statistics in our area. Litter has been an issue that has been addressed by the Board of Commissioners (BOC) several times in the most recent commissioner meetings.

“Fannin County has an ordinance that prevents anyone from storing garbage on their property,” Woody said, explaining the county’s current mandates. “Also, that ordinance requires persons to contain their load while transporting to dump facilities.”

The county is looking into solutions for stricter enforcement of these laws. Woody described two incidents recently where citations have been issued.

One of the citations was given at a waste transfer station for an unsecured load, and another was issued for trash dumped on Mount Herman Road in Mineral Bluff.

If found guilty of violating the Fannin County trash ordinance, offenders will be hit with a minimum $410 fine. Offenders could also face the maximum fine of $1,000 depending on the circumstances of the citation.

Trash haulers have been made aware of these fines and the ordinances, according to Woody, and signs citing all of this information have been posted at waste transfer sites since May 2017.

Advanced Disposal has agreed to do their part in helping Fannin County to combat the growing litter problem.

All loads must now be properly secured and tarped or covered before passing over the scales at the disposal sites. Haulers who choose to ignore these rules will not be allowed to discard their garbage until their load is secured.

Employees at these facilities will require any hauler not in compliance to leave the scales, properly secure their load, and then return to the scales to proceed with business.

Transfer stations have also come to an agreement with the county to remain open on all holidays with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

The county is also asking citizens to help. “We’re asking that citizens start reporting garbage haulers or anyone hauling garbage that is not securely loaded,” Woody explained.

“It is the civic responsibility of every citizen to properly dispose of their garbage,” Woody stated, giving explanation as to how citizens can help out.
The county is asking that if you witness someone violating the county’s trash ordinance, please call and make a report.

In all reports, a witness must provide their name, address, and phone number. Witnesses must be willing to appear in court for a citation to be issued to the violator.

Citizens are asked to get as much information as possible when filing a report. Some of the information needed is name of company if commercial, vehicle tag number, location of the incident, and pictures if possible.

“We do not want to harm or cause financial burden on the haulers or on the citizens. We want to keep Fannin County roadways cleaner,” Woody concluded. “We want people to be good citizens and report garbage hazards along roadways.”

If you witness littering or unsecured loads, you can make a report by calling Fannin County Land Development 706-258-5170 or 706-632-8321.

 

 

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