WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. -- Worcester County's Public Works department has been dealing with a big problem. This year, the department has seen more big-ticket items discarded along county backroads.
Litter is not uncommon on more rural roads, especially those where very few people live.
It's why Andy Blizzard started the environmental group Restore The Shore and spends much of his time perusing county roads, filling up one trash bag at a time.
"It's frustrating but I do see it getting better," said Blizzard as he filled up a large orange trash bag with litter scattered along Mary Road.
That said, there is still room for improvement.
Recently, a boat—yes, you read that correctly—was abandoned along Sims Road in Whaleyville.
Dallas Baker, Director of Worcester County Public Works, said the list of found items does not start and stop with sea-bearing vessels.
"Fridges, washers, dryers, sofas, recliners, mattresses, large tires, small tires," said Baker.
Public works have collected 53 tons of trash in the past nine months. That total matches the last fiscal year's and has put a financial strain on the department.
"We were already at our budget a little over six months through the year," said Baker.
Public Works pays $80 per ton in tipping fees, and the tab hasn't been cheap over the past few years.
Tipping Fee Breakdown: (Cost/Tons Dumped)
2021: $7,740 / 96.75 tons
2022: $3,669 / 45.86 tons
2023: 3,243 / 40.54 tons
2024: $4,255 / 53.19 tons
2025(As of March): $4,242 / 53.03 tons
Public Works sets aside $3,500 each year for its tipping fees. Baker said once his department realized it would go over budget quickly, it turned to county leaders for help.
"Back in November, we were going over budget, so we went back to the commissioners and asked for more money," said Baker. "Well, now we're here in March, April, and we're running out of money again, so, we're like 'maybe we need to do a different approach on this.' That's where we went to the commissioners and asked them to waive the tipping fees."
People caught littering can be fined $1,500. However, solving this larger issue could require larger penalties.
"We haven't yet taken it up at the commissioner level at this point but I suspect in the near futurewewill," said Commissioner Chip Bertino.
Baker is asking people to report any roadside litter, especially trash of the larger variety. Public Works does not drive around looking for trash. It relies on reports from neighbors to keep the roads clear of any large-scale objects.