County battles abuse at Green Box refuse sites

Green box sites in Lincoln County may be bear resistant, but it’s some people who are apparently causing the most problems at them.

Problems at green box refuse sites in the county aren’t a new issue, but they have grown to the point where citations are being issued to violators.

Sixteen green box sites are scattered across the county, but population growth of the last few years have caused the problem to get out of hand, according to county officials.

Health Department Kathi Hooper spoke about the issue at the May 10 meeting.

“I have two citations ready to go,” Hooper said. “The fines can be as high as $200. The misuse has become a big problem. People aren’t recycling cardboard or they aren’t breaking it down so more of it can be placed in a container so then everything gets overloaded.”

Hooper said she has issued letters and warnings to those who are abusing the sites.

She said there are trail cameras at a few sites that are used to determine those repeatedly breaking the rules and those folks are facing possible fines. Misuse, classified as a misdemeanor, could also lead to 90 days in jail.

Commissioner Brent Teske said repeated misuse could result in requiring site managers to monitor what is being brought to the sites.

Commissioner Josh Letcher wondered if the county could put out a mailer explaining how the sites are supposed to operate.

He also said many residents believe their taxes pay for Green Box sites, but that’s a misconception.

“The fees they pay for refuse are for operation of the landfill,” Letcher said.

“It can’t continue,” Hooper said. “If it does, we may have to close some of the sites.”