ROCKINGHAM — The amount of roadside trash picked up across Richmond County declined slightly in the final four months of 2024, leading to a lighter total than the previous year.
According to records from the Richmond County Solid Waste Department, the yearly total was 73.67 tons — 8.65 tons less than that from 2023 but 10 tons more than what was collected in 2022.
The amount of litter remained relatively low in the last half of the year — after peaking with a three-year high monthly high of 12.62 tons in February.
Records show county employees and workers with the N.C. Department of Transportation picked up: 5.62 tons from 22 roads in September (250 bags); 4.17 tons from 21 roads in October (363 bags); 3.05 tons from 23 roads in November (284 bags); and 4.58 tons from 21 roads in December (390 bags).
Several of the roads were worse than others, including Airport, Mill, Wiregrass, Sandhill and Lee Thee Church roads. Of the 1,287 bags collected in the four-month span, 287 were from Airport and Mill roads alone.
In addition to the bags of trash picked up, crews also found: 12 mattresses; seven tires; six pallets; four recliners; four couches; four chairs; two playsets; two toilets; a sectional; a bicycle; a carseat; a pool; a car door; cardboard boxes; insulation; various bed parts; TVs; and other miscellaneous refuse.
During the same time period, there were five illegal dumpsites reported and investigated, four warning notices issued and one garbage-burning investigation.
During the January meeting of the Richmond County Board of Commissioners, County Manager Bryan Land said the NCDOT Spring Litter Sweep is scheduled for the last two weeks in April.
Land said the Public Works Department is seeking volunteers from the community to help clean the roads, noting that participation has dwindled. In 2023, 93 volunteers filled 105 bags with 1,236 pounds of garbage during the spring event.
Individuals or groups wanting to volunteer are encouraged to call 910-997-8215 to sign up. Materials, including bags and vests, are supplied by the county.
The 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Day is slated for April 12 in the parking lot of the Richmond County Health Department. Items collected include pesticides, paint, fluorescent lights and solvents.