Percy Priest Lake Community Organizes Bulk Item Drop-off Day to Combat Litter and Illegal Dumping

Percy Priest Lake Residents Join Forces for Bulk Item Drop-off Day

This weekend, the lovely community of Percy Priest Lake is rolling up its sleeves to tackle a significant issue that has been bothering residents for some time: litter and illegal dumping. With a special event dubbed “Bulk Item Drop-off Day,” community leaders hope to provide a convenient solution for those wanting to declutter their homes and keep the area pristine.

Spotted Trash and Tired Residents

Many locals have been vocal about the growing problem of trash scattered across the roads and empty properties. One resident expressed her frustration, stating, “Every time I drive through, I pass by dumped mattresses, trash bags, and broken furniture just waiting to be picked up.” She also mentioned that the vacant lot behind her house has become a common dumping ground, which has only added to her woes as a homeowner.

Michele Vetter, the founder of the Priest Lake Peninsula Neighborhood Network, echoed these feelings of dissatisfaction. She remarked, “This is a beautiful area, but what we’re seeing isn’t beautiful at all. Nobody wants to live next to a dump.” Vetter’s sentiment resonates with many within the community who wish to preserve the natural beauty surrounding them.

“Just think about it,” she explained. “We’re talking about everything from bags of clothes to bags of trash. We’re a community, not a dumping ground.”

The Challenge of Illegal Dumping

Greg Dunigan, who is part of the beautification crew from Metro Council District 29, shared that illegal dumping has become an ongoing struggle for their team. He acknowledged that while some individuals take the lazy route, others might not have the financial means to dispose of unwanted items legally. “There are little nooks and crannies in the neighborhood that are perfect for people to tuck in and dump their trash,” he said. “It’s a constant battle we’re facing.”

Barry Cross from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) weighed in on the complexities of prosecuting illegal dumping. He noted, “Occasionally, we can find personal information in the trash and track down the offenders, but that doesn’t always lead to the right person. It’s often a tricky situation.”

A Hopeful Solution

Despite the growing concern, Dunigan is optimistic about their upcoming event. He hopes that setting up a one-stop bulk drop-off station will reduce the amount of trash in the neighborhood. “We’ll take everything, so you don’t have to go to different places for disposal,” he explained. “We’ll accept large bulk items and standard trash, and even offer document shredding! Plus, there will be a clothes donation truck on site.”

Scheduled for Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Bulk Item Drop-off Day will take place outside Compton’s Foodland. Organizations like the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (NDOT) and Shred-It will be on hand to assist residents with their unwanted items.

Dunigan’s motto rings true: “Litter begets litter, and cleanliness begets cleanliness.” This day is a chance not only to clean up but also to encourage community pride and responsibility.

The entire Percy Priest Lake community is encouraged to participate and utilize this opportunity to help foster a cleaner, more beautiful environment for all to enjoy. As they take these initial steps this weekend, there’s a hopeful spirit that together, they can turn things around for their beloved area.