County Landfill Faces Impressive Trash Surge Amid Ongoing Storm Cleanup Efforts

This past Saturday, Appling County officials launched a tire recycling initiative, allowing residents to drop off up to ten tires per household. The program, which runs until May 8, aims to address the growing issue of waste management in the area, particularly as landfill activity has surged in recent weeks.

In the last 30 days, the landfill has seen an influx of 970 trucks, bringing in a staggering 1.67 million tons of trash and debris. In contrast, only 19 tons have been recycled through local efforts. Officials noted that the volume of shingles and other debris has reached critical levels, with one new landfill cell already nearing capacity due to storm-related waste.

The discussion highlighted the challenges of managing this waste, particularly shingles, which do not compress easily and accumulate rapidly. One official emphasized the need for a recycling solution for shingles, stating, "The volume is astronomical... they just stack up back there."

Additionally, the meeting touched on operational issues, including a malfunctioning truck that has hindered waste transport. Officials are exploring solutions to keep the truck operational while managing the increased waste flow.

As the county grapples with these challenges, officials are committed to finding effective waste management strategies and will provide updates in future meetings. The tire recycling initiative is a step towards addressing the community's growing waste concerns, but the need for broader recycling solutions remains urgent.