By Katie Holland

Staff Writer

GARLAND — Garland leaders are hoping residents will step up their recycling efforts, and in order to make ensure they do, town officials are looking at incentives that could possibly put a little green in the pockets of residents who follow through with separating their trash.

The issue of recycling was brought up at this week’s town commissioners’ meeting when member Mike Toler stressed that he has spoken to residents about going green even while many are continuing to trash their recyclable items with the regular garbage.

“I have had two or three residents tell me that people are not recycling whatsoever,” said Toler. In addition, he pointed out that these individuals have trash piling up and spilling out, even into the yards of others.

“And some of it is not even bagged up,” said Toler, adding, “I have seen diapers and wipes out in people’s yards.”

Mayor Anthony Johnson advised Toler to provide the names to town clerk Teresa Vaught in order for her to prepare a letter to the individuals reminding them that if the trash is spilling out, they will have to purchase an additional trash container.

Following this suggestion, the mayor also advised that there may need to be some type of incentives provided to encourage residents to recycle rather than just adding trash containers.

Vaught then stated that she had heard that Raleigh has currently implemented an incentive plan that puts a person’s name in a drawing for $50, if residents choose to recycle.

The mayor said he he felt that this may be close to something that the town could create in order to encourage recycling.

“We might could talk about this,” Johnson noted. No vote was taken as to consider this option in further meetings nor was any prize amount considered.

Grease problem

In other discussions, public works director Don Wilson advised the board that he is fairly certain one family is pouring grease down their drains, which is causing problems with the town’s sewage.

The mayor advised that Wilson would need to be certain that it was grease that was causing the problem, and that it was coming from this one home.

“You can’t just wake up and point a finger ...,” stated Johnson.

He then advised that a letter may need to be sent out reminding residents that pouring grease down the drain can clog up drainage systems.

Vaught interceded, reminding Johnson that letters were just sent out this month reminding residents to refrain from such a practice.

The mayor then suggested that Wilson talk with this family and find out how they are getting rid of their grease and remind the group of how this clogged up drains.

Katie Holland can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 136, or by e-mail at silife@myclintonnc.com.