In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russell County Detention Center was no longer able to let certain inmates out to pick up litter along county roads.
Russell County Jailer Bobby Dunbar got approval from the state to resume litter pickup late in the spring and so far this year, Dunbar said the litter patrol has picked up thousands of pounds of litter along the side of county roadways.
23,440 pounds, to be exact, and counting.
Inmates who pick up litter have to be approved to do so by the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
“Not just anyone can go out and be part of the group that picks up litter,” Dunbar said.
Inmates began picking up litter on the side of roadways in April, and with the amount that’s been picked up, it’s made quite the difference. As crews continue to work throughout the summer, that number will significantly increase in the months ahead as tourism season continues and more people are outside.
