Unaka – The community held a large trash item pickup from 9-11 a.m. Saturday at the Unaka Convenience Center.
The community at the northern end of Cherokee County and is one of the farthest away from the Cherokee County Landfill in Marble. The community has a large population of seniors and working families, making it difficult for those members to take their large trash items to the landfill. The area is also one of the more remote parts of Cherokee County, creating a space known for illegal dumping that reduces property values, harms the environment, and leaves a mess for community members to clean up.
Luke Abernathy, owner of Abernathy’s Trash Service and a lifelong resident of Unaka, knew this would be a major event and came prepared with his garbage truck and an additional truck with a trailer. Holly Willis, president of the Unaka Community Development Club, said the event was busy for the full two hours, down to the last minute, with very little lag time.
“We collected a variety of large trash items. Mattresses, appliances, small non-household items such as blinds, and even a large Coleman spa,” Abernathy said.
During the event, around 25 local residents brought items they haven’t been able to dump due to their schedule, businesses or personal reasons. Those bringing items were encouraged to donate funds so that Abernathy’s Trash wouldn’t encounter any fees when taking the items to the landfill.
“The community donated $250 to Abernathy’s Trash and were incredibly thankful for the service he helped bring to the community,” Willis said.
Despite the success, the Unaka Community Development Club and Abernathy’s Trash were able to get feedback from the community to find ways to make this service more accessible, seeking out any room for improvement in the future.
This was not a Cherokee County Landfill-hosted event.
“We believe if we offer this service in about two months with a change in time to a Friday afternoon or evening, in addition to a Saturday morning, it would be better received and easier for the community to utilize,” Willis said.
Details: Updates for future events can be found on the Unaka Community Facebook Page. Abernathy’s Trash Service can be contacted at abernathyluke53@gmail.com or 828-557-8733.