Trash issues: Orange County residents and officials are enraged by the trash on state highways

In Orange County, a rising tide of trash along state highways is sparking a groundswell of concern among residents, drivers, and local officials. The sight of litter strewn along routes 17 and 17M, particularly in areas like Chester and Goshen, has become more than an eyesore; it’s a source of collective embarrassment and frustration.

Residents, fed up with the unsightly conditions, have turned to News 12, providing videos and photographs highlighting the severity of the issue.

The accumulation of refuse along these key thoroughfares has not gone unnoticed by Orange County’s leadership. County Executive Steve Neuhaus openly criticized the situation, declaring, “It just shows you that the system is failing. It’s absolutely deplorable the condition of the state roads in our region and in Orange County.”

The issue appears to center on state roads, which bear the brunt of the littering problem. The situation has deteriorated to such an extent that it has mobilized individuals at all levels of government and community. State Assemblyman Brian Maher is one such figure who, dismayed by the persistent filth, joined forces with volunteers over a recent weekend to address the problem directly through cleanup efforts.

Maher expressed his exasperation, stating, “The state of our roads and the garbage is really embarrassing. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), there are only enough resources to undertake a major cleanup once a year, and that’s unacceptable.” This sentiment underscores a growing consensus that the existing measures are insufficient to tackle the scale of the problem.

Despite the visible litter issue, a representative for the New York State Department of Transportation emphasized the department’s commitment to maintaining cleanliness along the state’s roads.

They highlighted that “serious resources” are consistently allocated towards clean-up efforts and called on the community to contribute by refraining from littering. Public information officer Heather Pillsworth urged, “Litter is unsightly and harmful to the environment, which is why we all need to practice good disposal habits and encourage others to do the same.”

The litter problem is not new to Orange County, as News 12 previously reported on this matter last year. Following the initial reports, Troop F state police in Middletown responded by targeting overweight garbage haulers, a contributing factor to the roadside trash issue. However, the extent of enforcement and the number of tickets issued for littering since then remain unclear, as responses from state police are pending.

Addressing the financial aspect of the problem, Assemblyman Maher highlighted that Orange County receives the least funding and has the fewest staff in the state in terms of DOT services. He argues that an additional $100 million is necessary to enhance the region’s capability to maintain cleaner roads.

Maher’s call to action, “We need to find a way to clean our roads more often so we aren’t the embarrassment of the tri-state area,” echoes a broader desire for improved conditions and community pride. The situation in Orange County serves as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility shared by residents, officials, and state agencies to safeguard and preserve the environment for current and future generations.