Clayton highlights code enforcement and Earth Day cleanup; town unveils trash‑trap project

Town officials used an administrative presentation titled “Keeping Clayton Clean” to outline how residents can report code violations and to promote the town’s Earth Day and Arbor Day activities.

Staff said code enforcement is complaint‑driven: property owners can report unsafe or unsightly conditions online or by calling Town Hall; a complaint that involves active criminal behavior (witnessed littering with a suspect) should be reported by calling 911 with identifying information such as a description or a license plate number. Town staff asked residents to report trash or debris blocking town‑maintained roads to Town Hall so public works can clear obstructions; issues on state‑maintained roads should be reported directly to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), although staff said the town may assist when there is an immediate safety hazard.

The town’s Earth Day cleanup was promoted for Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m. at the farmers market, where volunteers can collect gear and then walk the town to pick up trash. Staff said a celebration will follow around noon at Deep River. Town staff also announced a planned Arbor Day event at Municipal Park (family‑friendly activities and a movie screening) and said the town recently installed a stormwater trash‑trap on a tributary behind Hudson’s hardware that captures runoff before it reaches the Neuse River.

Why it matters: The announcements combine immediate volunteer opportunities with longer‑term stormwater and code‑enforcement efforts intended to reduce litter and improve public‑space safety.