
GLOCESTER – Glocester is a small, rural community with beautiful landscapes, historic homes and villages and plenty of countryside, which both visitors and residents alike seem to appreciate. And yet, litter is an ongoing problem in town that now needs to be addressed, according to town officials.
The issue was broached by Town Council President William Worthy at the board’s recent meeting with a discussion of problems at the town transfer station on Chestnut Hill Road, where a combination of factors led to trash, mainly bags, being blown across the road into the Smith and Sayles Reservoir. Worthy noted that most of the trash appeared to be coming from vehicles, particularly pick-up trucks and trailers, arriving with uncovered loads. Town ordinances prohibit transportation of uncovered garbage and/or trash by vehicles.

One of the solutions to prevent trash from being blown into the reservoir could be to construct a fence on the road side of the transfer station to catch any loose trash. Recent high winds have only contributed to the problem.
“This is not a new idea,” said Worthy. “It was discussed many years ago – to put some kind of a fence somewhere on that property to stop any trash which might be leaving a vehicle, or from debris leaving the dumpsters.”
He noted that the station is directly across from a “beautiful lake,” and, “beautiful homes.”
“I drove by there a couple of weeks ago and there was trash all on the side,” said Worthy.
Worthy said he contacted Department of Public Works Director Gary Treml, who was already organizing a clean up. Worthy said Treml took care of the immediate problem, but the larger issue still exists.
“We have a trash problem in this town,” said Worthy. “And it’s a beautiful town. I think it’s important, especially around our transfer station. I think that’s something we need to look at.”
He added that the fence choice is important in picking the right design that fits into the rural atmosphere of the town and doesn’t appear too industrial.
“How do we do this so it doesn’t look like a prison?” asked Worthy. “Let’s come up with some ideas.”
He suggested that Treml research the possibilities and bring them to the next council meeting for consideration.
Additionally, Worthy suggested local police could reinforce the covered trash ordinance.
“I think we really need to work with our police department,” he said. “Some people don’t put tops on their trailers, and material is coming out the back of their trailers.”
Worthy said he takes a walk once a year between his business, Big Bear Hunting and Fishing at 401 Putnam Pike, and the nearby Gentleman Farmer Restaurant at 617 Putnam Pike, about a half mile away, picking up trash along the highway.
“I pick up probably hundreds of nips,” Worthy said. “That is something I do because that’s where my business is, and I care about that area. I think we need to make a real good effort to keep our town clean and our lakes clean. I think it’s time we did something.”
Councilor Walter Steere suggested a Code Red announcement to remind residents to avoid littering and to cover their trash when transporting it.

Councilor Cheryl Greathouse suggested adding a program or some kind of reminder to local school students to be more careful and to avoid littering, as well. These days, she said, the younger generation appears to be more relaxed about littering, versus older generations who considered littering “taboo.”
“I think if we start with the younger grades and help them to regenerate that attitude of respect might help,” she said.
“I’d go as far as to have the (police) chief station someone down there, where trash is coming out and write a couple of tickets,” said Worthy. “You get hit in the pocket, and you tend to learn things a lot quicker.”
Police Chief Joseph DelPrete explained that littering has many causes. Some littering might take place accidentally, while other times it is very much intentional, such as nips and McDonald’s bags. Enforcing the ordinance and/or laws is difficult, unless it is an obvious case of littering.
“We need awareness,” said Councilor Jonathan Burlingame.
DelPrete suggested adding more signage warning people to avoid littering or be fined, and offered to provide the signs, which the council approved.
Litter problems are not unique to Glocester, however, as statewide literally thousands of tons of trash is picked up each year, according to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation website – and it is increasing. Last year, a total of 26,044 45 gallon trash bags worth of litter was collected, with a high of 4,101 in March. That did not include an additional 6,665 bags collected by communities nor 697 tons of “big litter” items. The cost to the state from litter is estimated at over $1.5 million.
Residents and local businesses may enroll in three programs with the state, including Adopt-A-Spot, Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-A-Highway to help curtail trash along roadsides and other areas.
Identifying where the trash is coming from is a good step. A few sources of trash can make a big mess very quickly. A reminder in public locations (signs) and with taxes mailed can bring awareness before using a heavy handed solution. People forget when not reminded or informed.
Perhaps hedges may work better than a fence to catch the litter?