BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County Code Enforcement Officer Paul McCoy and inmates enrolled in the litter cleanup program made a significant dent in roadside litter and illegal dumps in the county in 2022. Still, McCoy is hoping for a better way in the New Year.
“I’m hoping people will start caring more and stop taking the easy way by throwing garbage out the windows of their vehicles,” McCoy said. “The best-case scenario is that the public stops littering and stops dumping their garbage up a holler and signs up for garbage pickup like the county ordinance mandates.”
McCoy and his crew worked throughout the year, removing trash along the roads and cleaning up dumps in hollows and on strip mine land. When possible, the team looked through the garbage for mail or other items that might identify the litterer, then turned that information over to the sheriff and county attorney.
On any given day, McCoy could be seen with four to five Big Sandy Regional Detention Center inmates in his vehicle as he traveled throughout the county.
“I want to assure the public that no inmates who have committed a violent act are allowed to participate in the cleanup program,” said McCoy. “These guys are jailed for minor offenses, with the majority being misdemeanor charges. We would never endanger the safety of the public by having helpers out there who could or would pose a threat to our residents.”
In return for working, the inmates receive time off their sentences.
In 2022 alone, McCoy and his workers collected 1,400 bags of roadside garbage, not including old appliances, furniture, rolls of carpet, car parts, tires and other large items. They also participated in two Tug River tire cleanups in Warfield that together netted 851 tires.
“Until everyone starts taking pride in the appearance of the county, we are fighting an uphill battle to keep our roadways and landscape free of garbage and debris,” remarked McCoy.
“Do the right thing: Dispose of trash the proper way,” he said. “If you continue to break the law, you will eventually be caught.”
McCoy asks residents to report illegal dumps by calling him at 606-626-0635.
