Letter writer: Law needed for trash problem

Posted on by Letters
Graphic by Lori Deaton

It warms my heart to have read the two recent letter submissions from Michael Harney [“Welcome to TrAsheville?” Jan. 18, Xpress] and Carol and Michael More [“Trash Into Cash,” Feb. 1, Xpress] on the amount of trash that litters our streets. I hope this creates the needed momentum to address this issue so one day we can live in a cleaner community.

Commuting by bicycle to work gives me an unflattering view of the roadside, sidewalks and adjacent properties. It’s frustrating to watch as the litter continuously gathers, creating an unsightly mess. I have attempted on numerous occasions to reach out to the city, county and state governments with disappointing results. My visceral reaction to this problem causes me to spend a lot of free time picking up trash in my neighborhood.

I feel the best solution is for the city, county or state government to impose and enforce a law on property, home and business owners to routinely clean up around their property, including the sidewalk and street. While it would be better if participation was voluntary, there doesn’t seem to be too many citizens clamoring for a solution to the problem, and so a legal requirement seems necessary.

— Jay Reese
Arden

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

About Letters
We want to hear from you! Send your letters and commentary to letters@mountainx.com
View all posts by Letters →

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

3 thoughts on “Letter writer: Law needed for trash problem”

  1. Austin Hill

    I agree with you that there is a lot of trash about. I pick up my neighborhood as well. But the police don’t even stop people running red lights right in front of them, so I doubt trash policing will get done.

    • Jay Reese

      Funny you mention traffic enforcement. I can’t decide which issue irritates me more, litter or negligent drivers! Commuting to work by bicycle I am affected by both the trash along side the road and the idiots I see running red lights, speeding, failing to yield the right of way, ect. What’s really comical is when I pull up beside them and call them out for their behavior and they get indignant. They either offer some lame excuse or want to fight.

  2. Deplorable Infidel

    It’s a sign of the delinquent, ignorant population that show their contempt for everyone else. Litterers are simply trashy people NOT to be tolerated. We are especially inundated with this level of nastiness in AVL. It’s a trashy place.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.