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Staff writer
A couch, tires and cabinetry were just a few bulkly items Isle of Wight officials removed from nearly 10 illegal dumpsites over the past year.
Even though the county has eight convenience centers that accept all sorts of recyclable materials, illegal dumpsites continue to pop up along roadways, in resident’s yards and in the woods.
Illegal dumping is taking a toll on county resources, said Christine Bruner, Isle of Wight general services employee, and Ralph Anderson, solid waste manager.
When it occurs at night, as it often does, said Bruner, it’s known as “midnight dumping.” People looking to unload unwanted items take advantage of the rural setting too.
“Isolated roads is where we have most of our problems,” Anderson said. Two hot spots are Clydesdale Drive in Isle of Wight and Sandy Ridge Drive in Longview.
Bulk items tend to be from businesses, and bags of household trash are most likely from residents, they said.
The illegally-discarded items such as mattresses, pillows, couches, tires and cabinets could have been recycled at the convenience centers or donated to a charity, said Bruner.
County residents can drop off items at convenience centers for no additional fee (other than taxes), but contractors and businesses cannot.
Instead, businesses must find their own methods for disposal, which are often private entities that charge disposal fees....(Subscribe!)