The Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District was recently honored for its service to its two-county area by Keep Ohio Beautiful.

At the state organization’s recent meeting and annual luncheon in Columbus the district received the Community Award.

There are three Community Awards given depending on the size of the population — under 25,000; between 25,000 and 150,000 and over 150,000.

The district was in the over 150,000 category because it serves a combined two-county area with a variety of programs.

“They were impressed with our litter program where we go out and use the county community service workers,” Dan Palmer, district coordinator, said.

Last year the crews picked up 7,564 bags of trash and litter and put in 6,839 man hours.

Another program of the solid waste district is its Household Hazardous Waste Program, which the district originated in the two counties. Residents can drive up to a specified location and have chemicals and the like taken for proper disposal

“A lot of solid waste districts are eliminating it because of the cost,” Palmer said. “It is such a big event for us. It gives people an arena to get rid of their hazardous waste.”

At the most recent event 222 cars participated.

Other programs the district organizes are participation in the annual Ohio River Sweep where this June there were 76 volunteers collecting 165 bags of garbage; the pharmaceutical disposal where 100 pounds of pills were taken and destroyed; the various clean-up events throughout the county; and its recycling program.

“We still see gradual growth in the recycling,” Palmer said. “We have a lot of programs that are beneficial to the community.”