Scott County, Virginia, is ramping up its efforts to combat litter as the Board of Supervisors officially designated April as Litter Awareness Month. This initiative, first adopted in February 2019, aims to educate the community about the importance of keeping the environment clean. The county plans to utilize social media, flyers, and billboards to spread awareness, although budget constraints will limit this year's campaign to just one billboard featuring a creative design that emphasizes the message "Don't trash on me."

The meeting also highlighted the collective responsibility of residents to maintain the county's beauty. Community members are encouraged to participate in cleanup efforts, whether by volunteering for park cleanups or simply being mindful of their littering habits. The discussion included suggestions for local businesses to take part in the initiative, such as promoting litter awareness on their packaging.

In addition to litter awareness, the Board addressed significant changes in solid waste management. The Solid Waste Committee recommended renewing a contract with Waste Management for waste disposal and transportation services, which is set to expire on May 7. The proposed rates reflect a notable increase, with disposal fees rising from $24.94 to $30.07 per ton and transportation fees from $13.04 to $17.07 per ton. This increase has prompted discussions about adjusting the tipping fee at the county's transfer station, which has remained at $40 per ton since its inception.

The committee's recommendation to renew the contract comes amid rising costs across the region, with neighboring counties facing similar challenges. The Board is tasked with discussing potential adjustments to the tipping fee to address the financial gap created by the increased disposal costs. Additionally, the committee is exploring ways to manage waste disposal claims from contractors, particularly regarding structural waste, which currently incurs no tipping fee.

As Scott County moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains on fostering community involvement in litter prevention and ensuring sustainable waste management practices that benefit all residents.