Smith County voucher program lets residents dispose of bulky items for free

TYLER, Texas (KLTV) — Smith County commissioners approved plans Tuesday for this year’s countywide cleanup program, giving residents the opportunity to drop off a truckload of bulky items at the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free.

The program runs March 30 through May 1. Residents can obtain a voucher in person at the Courthouse Annex in downtown Tyler, or at any Justice of the Peace or Constable office in the county.

Pct. 3 Commissioner J. Scott Herod said litter and illegal dumping have been persistent problems across the county.

“Dumping, trash, and litter in general, has been a huge issue for the county, and we’re taking proactive steps to try to clean it up mile by mile,” Herod said.

Environmental Crimes Deputy Michael Johnson said much of what he encounters on roadsides is household waste.

“A lot of stuff I see is a lot of household waste. You’re just, you know, bagged up and thrown to the side of the road. It’s easy to just take it to the landfill and get rid of it,” Johnson said.

What is — and isn’t — accepted

County officials said cost can be a barrier for residents trying to dispose of large items. The voucher program is designed to address that.

Herod said mattresses are among the most commonly dumped items.

“It is a chance to dump mattresses, which is one of the number one things we see on the side of the road because of the cost and the difficulty of getting rid of mattresses. This is an opportunity to get rid of 1 box set, which is awesome,” Herod said.

Old furniture and mattresses are among the accepted items. Only one mattress can be dumped for free. Residents are not allowed to bring hazardous waste, gas, wet paint, tires, batteries, televisions, computers, refrigerators, or freezers.

Load it right, county judge says

Smith County Judge Neal Franklin urged residents to secure their loads before heading to the landfill.

“What we really want to stress is make sure that you cover that so that things aren’t blowing out as you’re taking it to the landfill but also tie down your large items. We don’t want to make a mess while we’re trying to clean up a mess,” Franklin said.

Precinct 3 targeting repeat offenders

Herod said enforcement efforts in Precinct 3 go beyond the voucher program.

“We’re working really hard in Precinct 3 to clean it up and look for and identify those serial abusers, those litterers that obviously know what they’re doing. It’s not just one cup going out the window,” Herod said.

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