Ohio parks eliminate trash cans, waste pickups

WAYNESVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Budget cuts mean at many state parks in Ohio it’s now BYOB: bring your own bag, for trash.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has removed garbage cans from park areas used by day visitors because it has cut back on waste pickups. In a policy that began at some 30 parks on Memorial Day, guests must take their trash with them.

Regional manager Tim Carr says Caesar Creek and other southwest Ohio parks will save an estimated $5,000 per year in trash-hauling costs that they can use for vehicle fuel and other basics.

An official with the Sierra Club in Ohio calls the new policy is a bad one, however. Brandi Whetstone says she has noticed excess park litter, including trash dumped in restrooms.

Carr says park visitors must learn to change their habits.