KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County is moving forward with a new way to prevent people from littering.
“To throw trash on the ground or litter basically just tells everyone you just don’t care about your community,” Kershaw County Councilmember Derek Shoemake said.
Trash-filled yards and drains have become an issue across Kershaw County, and Shoemake, along with County Council, says the Clean Community Commission, which is made up of residents appointed by council and municipalities, has asked council to approve a letter to be sent to people whose trash they find lying around.
“So, sometimes you find trash on the side of the road. There will be something in it that allows them to identifies the owner," Shoemake said. "The letter goes to anybody whose trash is found on the road or in Kershaw County and they can find the name of the person who left it. This is a letter the Clean Community Commission will send. Now, the letter itself doesn’t have the force of law, but it’s a letter to let them know we found your trash and it points out that we have penalties.”
In Kershaw County, if you are found dumping trash, there is a fine of $25-100, up to 8 hours of community service, or 30 days in jail.
Shoemake says the county is examining harsher penalties for those who litter, but nothing has been voted on.
Council approved the new letters so the next time they find trash and can tie it to someone, they can send out the letter.
The Sheriff’s Department also has a liter patrol officer.