James Island residents ask SCDOT to help with roadway litter

JAMES ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD)–Folly Road on James Island is just one of several areas across the town that residents say are lined with litter.

Community members are calling on the South Carolina Department of Transportation to act and clean up Folly Rd and other problematic areas.  Neighbors said they see crews come out to perform regular maintenance, like cutting the grass, but they wait to pick up the trash beforehand.

“Our concern is, why wouldn’t we pick up trash before you run it over with the mower, and why would you leave it there? That seems insane,” said Adam Friend, Woodland Shores Road Coalition founder.

One local advocate said the waste destroys the town’s beauty and impacts the ecosystem.

“Every oyster and shrimp you eat are filtered out, and you know avoiding plastics in your food is probably escapable, but putting more plastics into waterways is 100% escapable and avoidable,” said Christine Kitch, an environmental advocate.

Community leaders are asking SCDOT to do their part by keeping the roads in their care clean and asking neighbors to chip in. 

“I would say, you know, we need more folks to take this seriously and own at least your trash, and you’re that would be a great first step,” said Friend.

News 2 did reach out to the SCDOT, and they provided us with a statement saying: