Litter dumped in your surroundings is an unpleasant sight.

As citizens of the county, we should try everything in our capacity to minimize improper placement of our waste. This effort will not only help in keeping our environment clean, but also aid in creating more sanitary surroundings.

In an attempt to deter litter found on the streets of Picayune, the city of Picayune installed a new sign along Cooper Road to remind that a fine could be levied. Those found guilty of dumping trash along the streets will have to pay a $1,000 fine.

It is pleasing to see county officials and community members come together to try to create a cleaner and more pleasant Pearl River County.

Earlier in March, two Pearl River County residents along with the Board of Supervisors organized a countywide clean up that drew about 80 volunteers who helped remove garbage from the streets across the county.

Later this month the 4th Annual Keep Poplarville Beautiful cleanup is expected to continue that attempt to involve the community in removing every bit of trash found across the county.

But like they say, there is little only one person can do. These efforts should include everyone in the community, not just on cleanup days, but through people keeping their trash in the proper place.

Dumping trash out of a moving car is one of the major reasons we have such a large litter problem in this county. With so many trashcans placed conveniently in several locations within the county, there’s no reason not to pull over and dispose of the items properly. 

Additionally, as county residents we have free access to the landfill in Millard, so there is no reason to dump refuse in backyards or on the sides of the highways.

Remember, “It all starts with you.” Be part of the change that will make our county even more beautiful than it already is.