County Commission, Sheriff Team Up For ‘Tuscaloosa County Clean’ Program

The Tuscaloosa County Commission and Sheriff Ron Abernathy announced the launch of a multi-agency effort to reduce roadside litter and illegal dumps after their regular meeting Wednesday morning.

The aptly-named Tuscaloosa County Clean program will be a partnership between the Solid Waste Department, the Sheriff's Office and members of the community.

This was possible due to an extensive bolstering of the County Solid Waste Department, which brought on several new employees and purchased new equipment including a new truck for litter pickup this year.

"As we come into spring this year... We are hoping to engage the public to a greater extent to get out and clean," Probate Judge and County Commission Chairman Rob Robertson said. "This is a true partnership."

The bulk of this work will be community-driven. Using a new mobile app, both individuals and groups can sign up to clean up areas around the county, or report litter and illegal dumps.

"Tuscaloosa County needs volunteers to keep our roadways and parks litter-free," said Solid Waste Coordinator Brent Lollar. "If we all do our part, we can preserve the beauty of Tuscaloosa County."

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Ron Abernathy also spoke at the press conference to announce that the Sheriff's Office will resume inmate litter crews and court-ordered community service litter pickup. This decision was made in coordination with the Solid Waste Department to assist in their efforts.

"Since I took office, we have utilized inmate cleanup crews to help our citizens keep their roads and communities litter-free. We are eager to resume these services once the inmate COVID quarantine is over," Abernathy said.

As for any next steps, District 4 Commissioner Reginald Murray suggested a year-round promotional program to keep this initiative active and keep communities clean, although no official word on that was made.

To get involved, visit TCClean.org, or call the Solid Waste Department directly at 205-464-8216 to request safety vests, trash bags and other equipment. Residents are also invited to participate in a community-wide spring cleanup day on April 24th.