Residents fed up with excess littering

Rosebud citizens and those living in the surrounding areas are tired of seeing so much trash on county roads.

According to Paul Meier, a member of the Rosebud Chamber of Commerce, he and a close friend spend their free time cleaning up, though it’s not their responsibility.

“We run and bike on the gravel roads around here and use some of our time taking my van out, loading it up with trash and place the trash in front of my house on the first Saturday each month for Large Trash Day,” he said. 

There is a history of problems with trash disposal throughout the county, but seems to have gotten worse within the last few years. Meier is not the only Falls County resident to express this opinion.

The major areas for Rosebud seem to be right outside of town, both on the north and south sides, on gravel roads. Noted items were sofas, chairs, cushions and mattresses.

Meier is concerned that the repetitive removal could be potentially harmful to those that take their own time to do.

“During our most recent trash removal I realized the job is a little too dangerous,” Meier explained. “There could be a family of skunks underneath.”

Meier acknowledges that it may be a problem of ignorance to available help.

“We figure education is key,” he told the Rosebud News. “Some people's property is trashy because they don't know any better or that there's help available.”

Meier plans to continue the efforts until county officials take an interest in the issue, but questions why people do this.

“Cleaning up the trash makes us feel good as volunteers but lousy that there are people so silly and awful that they would do the lazy thing of littering instead of investigating how to do the right thing,” he said.

Large trash day, which takes place the first Saturday of every month, has certain procedures to be followed.

To make use of the service, call Rosebud City Hall any time before 2 p.m. the day before, on Friday. Be sure to state your service address when calling. Bulk trash should be placed in the same spot as weekly trash, with bundles and tied loose trash when possible.

These must be under 50 pounds and fit in the back of the trash truck. Note: Waste Management will not pick up any hazardous material or televisions. 

Residents are urged to utilize this service instead of dumping their materials in ditches.

“I'm proud of Rosebud and I love it,” Meier declared. ”I don't want to see it trashed and hurt like this.”