Taking a drive throughout Lawrence County can be a beautiful, pleasant experience.

However, depending on where that drive leads, chances are you will notice some type of illegal dumping. Whether it is tires, furniture, appliances or even trash, the rural portions of the county see a large issue.

Working to stop illegal dumping has been the goal of the annual Hazardous Waste Collection event hosted by the Lawrence-Scioto County Solid Waste Management District at the Dow Chemical location on Sept. 24.

This is a vital event because it promotes properly disposing of a wide variety of items that might otherwise be tossed out along a Township or County road.

Although the event allows for residents to drop off unwanted or unused items, it is important to know what items will be accepted.

Some of those include tires, lead acid batteries, motor oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, paints, thinners and solvents, various cleaners, pesticides and herbicides, swimming pool chemicals, various electronics and assorted pharmaceuticals.

Regrettably, all too often, we find that many of these items are simply tossed out along the roadsides.

We are fortunate to have a group willing to head up these events each year with the assistance from the Lawrence County Sheriffs Department and those involved in making it possible to have a standing location.

In order for this, and other events like it, to continue to be successful, it will take the cooperation from the public.