The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office has reported recent success in its initiative to counter litter and illegal dumping to keep the county clean.
At a Keep Toccoa-Stephens County Beautiful meeting on Thursday, March 13, deputy Edward Bush of the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office shared a series of updates on the work of the Inmate Litter Detail – a dedicated team focused on cleaning up the county’s roadways.
Known as the “Litter Critter Crew,” the team spends three to four days each week picking up trash along county roads.
In just the first two months of the year, the litter detail collected 244 bags of trash, and throughout 2024, they collected a total of 2,380 bags of trash.
The crew also removed several large items illegally dumped along the roads, including six recliners, 11 mattresses, six box springs, three couches, one loveseat, one futon, seven televisions, 21 tires, one jacuzzi and one deep freezer.
Bush noted that the number of bags collected has significantly decreased since the initiative began in 2023, reflecting what they consider the success of the ongoing efforts. Still, he continues to encourage residents to be mindful of their trash and help maintain a clean environment.
Citizens are urged to report any large items or illegal dumping they encounter on the roads. To report such incidents, please contact the non-emergency dispatch line at (706) 779-3911.
In collaboration with the Stephens County Marshals Office and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the sheriff’s office is working to restore a clean and beautiful community, according to officials.
Bush expressed his appreciation for community members who prioritize beautification efforts and encouraged others to get involved by safely picking up trash, recycling at local sites and volunteering with organizations like Keep Toccoa-Stephens County Beautiful.
