We don’t question the fiscal reasons behind the

We don’t question the fiscal reasons behind the

mandate eliminating the trash dumping

facilities at Scrabble and Huntly and creating a central trash “transfer” station west of Washington.

It has proven expensive to maintain and service the remote sites, and like other rural counties that have used this type of refuse collection system, reducing hours or days of service — or eliminating the sites all together — are considered options when the costs continue to rise.

Those living in the eastern part of the county, including Amissville, have relatively easy access to the county landfill, and will scarcely notice any change.

Washington and Sperryville will actually be better served by the transfer station, which will be a lot more convenient than going to the county landfill or the remote sites. And having a facility that is manned while it is open ensures that the area will be kept clean, and that recycling and handling of hazardous waste will be done properly. ^ But what about those who live in the northwest and southeast quadrants formerly served by the Scrabble and Huntly dumpsters?

One real concern is that if the disposal of trash TSecomes less convenient or more time-consuming, littering along the roads and illegal dumps, hidden out of sight, might return.

This is a challenge anticipated by members of Trash Free Rappahannock and the Ragged Mountain Resource Center. They are formulating a cooperative effort to extend a limited, volunteer-based trash disposal service in those areas no longer served by a county-maintained dumpster.

We offer our support. There are many ways to help — from suggesting sites to providing an old truck to be used to haul refuse that might otherwise show up in the ditch or be piled on the “back forty.”

Want to help? Call Gerald Ochs at 987-3311.