By: Natalie M. Zeigler
City Manager
The City of Hartsville’s Environmental Services Department is composed of the hardworking staff whose job duties take them where most would not. These individuals work diligently every day to ensure that our streets, businesses, and homes are free of debris. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the various issues with this service to our residents and why it is important for these issues to be addressed in order to provide a better quality of service for our city.
Recently, these individuals have experienced delays in their services to our community. These delays have been due to equipment failures, increase of storms, and the arrival of growing season. During this time, yard debris increases as you work hard to keep your yards maintained. We are working to increase capacity and timeliness during this busy season. A collaborative effort between city staff and the community will be important to this effort.
Our neighborhoods each have a unique quality that make them an attractive part of the community. Large debris items such as furniture are prohibited from being dumped by the road and at vacant lots. Debris such as this further hinders the daily routine of our staff. I encourage you to hold your neighbors accountable in this. The City’s Codes Enforcement Officer is available to address these issues. He can be contacted at the Business Navigator at 843.383.3025. Additionally, several local donation places such as Habitat for Humanity or Goodwill will accept these items with Habitat offering free pickup services.
Following proper yard debris placement and procedure, is valuable in keeping the roads clear during these delays. Piles should be separated into two piles of leaves and limbs at the front line of your property out of the roadway. One way to reduce yard debris volume is to compost in your own backyard. For information on composting on your own, visit the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-home.
With yard debris delays, resident engagement through our SeeClickFix app has increased. We continue to encourage its use in not only trash pick-up matters but also with any other non-emergency related issues. This is an excellent way to receive updates regarding these issues.
Although these delays may be frustrating, we must remember that these individuals on staff work continuously in adverse and less than ideal weather conditions to ensure that our City remains a beautiful place. Be sure to thank them for their contribution to the community when you see them at your home or business and hopefully they will be on your street again very soon!
I sincerely apologize for these delays. This service is not meeting my expectations as a City Manager, and I recognize that you deserve better. If you have any new ideas on how to provide more efficient services, please contact me. I always welcome your insight on how we can improve.
Natalie Zeigler is the City Manager of Hartsville. For more information, call City Hall at 843-383-3015 or email info2@hartsvillesc.gov.