Residents from throughout Chilton County volunteered their time to help pick up trash along the roadways during about a weeklong countywide spring cleanup that ended on April 22.

Although the designated cleanup came to an end, it does not mean that the litter problem currently facing Chilton County has subsided.

Libby Ratliff, the county litter agent, continues fight the never-ending battle on a daily basis.

Several groups of volunteers and individuals spent time combing the shoulders of county roads and the result was multiple piles of bags with trash and other items, such as mattresses.

“We’re very appreciative of all the people that came out and took the time to make this a success,” Ratliff said.

Commissioner Jimmie Hardee serves as the litter liaison for the commission and believes that it requires a change in mindset for the problem of littering to no longer be an issue.

“I’m very impressed with what she [Ratliff] is doing,” Hardee said. “My goal is to get her more help, because she is only one person.”

Ratliff and Hardee each thanked District Judge Chris Speaks for his support in the litter prevention effort by sentencing certain individuals to litter cleanup duty.

“This is an ongoing thing, because we’ve got 700 square miles of county that has to be kept up with,” Hardee said. “We want to educate the people to take ownership of this county.”

There were about 10 groups of volunteers that helped lead the volunteer efforts during the cleanup, as well as the much needed support from the Chilton County Road Department and the Chilton County Commission.

Volunteers ranged from school/church groups to individuals just looking to provide a little community service.

Ratliff encouraged people to continue to get involved by adopting a mile or a stream or looking out after the roadway near their home. Those interested in helping out can call (205) 351-1314 for more information.

“Somehow we would like to get the information into our schools,” Ratliff said. “We’ve got to start with our younger generation and educate them of what not to do.”