Erwin residents beg dumpers: 'No diapers, stop!!!'

Resident Bruce “Red” Callahan estimates he and others in his community have picked up 200 or more dirty diapers this year.

The unknown litterbugs have flung them onto the side of Old Stage Road, right above a creek and near an Erwin city sign proclaiming “Pride” and “Hope in our future.”

“This is just ridiculous. It’s ridiculous,” Callahan said, adding that he has no idea who is doing the dumping. “It doesn’t look good for us. People are trying to keep a good community up through here.”

Most diapers are bundled in plastic bags, some wadded up in the creek. The scene could look dirtier if it wasn’t for the residents who have been picking up the piles of diapers.

“It’s something we don’t want to have to put up with. I hate to have to put up with it,” Callahan said.

Considering the subject matter, Erwin police have dealt with bundles of jokes.

“There’s humor attached to it, of course,” said police Chief Warren Morrisette.

However, the chief says it’s no laughing matter for the neighbors and for nature, especially the creek.

“We are protecting the law against dumping, but we also have a health concern,” Morrisette said.

Police say they have no idea who is behind the diaper dumping. The person or persons responsible could face illegal dumping and littering charges.