Letter writer: Health Department may be needed for neighborhood trash problem

Posted on by Letters
Graphic by Lori Deaton

I am writing to respond and offer a few suggestions to Aila Sundelin of Leicester regarding her neighbor’s trash [“ ‘Common’ Trash Practices Need to Change,” Jan. 27, Xpress]. She mentions calling the Buncombe County Solid Waste and Environmental Control for her concern and getting the response, “That’s a common practice around here.”

A better response is: “Your situation might require the assistance of the Buncombe County Health Department.” Disease can harbor in the conditions she mentions, and diseases can be transmitted.

I have worked for a county health department and have inspected many sites similar to Ms. Sundelin’s description. One of the primary responsibilities of health departments is to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. If they choose not to inspect the site, another possibility is to knock on your neighbor’s door, introduce yourself and ask kindly for them to clean it up. An offer to help with the work could form a lasting, respectful relationship.

— Claude Chandler
Marshall

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2 thoughts on “Letter writer: Health Department may be needed for neighborhood trash problem”

  1. boatrocker

    A knock on your neighbor’s door is more likely to get you killed under a NRA bought and sold ‘stand your ground’ type legislation in (ahem) certain states. I wouldn’t recommend that.

    Ring the doorbell/flaming bag of dog poop in a paper bag on the porch, or maybe a every day is ‘yardwork day in a speedo’ might help matters to get rid of annoying neighbors.
    Or learn to play the bagpipes- at 5am.

  2. Yep

    Why can we never get the AVL Housing Authority to DO THEIR PART to keep their surrounding areas CLEANED UP?

    Gene Bell, Terry Bellamy and Samantha Bowers and the whole staff at HACA should be ASHAMED of themselves for allowing
    their communities to demonstrate perpetual DISRESPECT to the taxpayers of Asheville !!!

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