Commissioners in Lawrence and Scioto counties said they have worked to keep recycling bins in place for now.

The Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District announced on Friday that it would pull its 30 recycling containers from 12 sites in Lawrence and Scioto counties because of the abuse by people who are dumping trash and other household items that cannot be recycled by the district.

Crews had found items, including 85 bags of used kitty litter, in a container meant for plastic, paper and metals.

On Monday the Scioto County Commission announced that they and Lawrence County Commissioners “have intervened for now to keep recycle dumpsters in their respective counties.”

“This abuse MUST stop!” the post read. “The district uses inmates from STAR Community Justice Center to clean up around dumpsters and roads and these individuals are no longer available due to the COVID crisis. The work is overwhelming their staff. If the abuse continues the bins will be pulled. Please don’t be that person who ruins a good thing for many.”

They said illegal dumping would be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and that to report the car tag number or property information of a person illegally dumping to call the Lawrence-Scioto Solid Waste Management District at 740-532-1231.