The Warren County Board of Supervisors made good strides in solving the litter problem when they passed a new ordinance that gives residents incentives to turn in violators.

Streets, highways, medians and yards in our beautiful town are plagued with milkshake cups, fast food bags and other debris that are thrown out vehicle windows instead of in trashcans.

Previous ordinances that allow law enforcement to fine litterbugs are hard to enforce because a witness has to physically see someone litter, charge them and testify against them in court.

For many, life is too busy to take the time to turn a violator in.

The new ordinance pays witnesses back for their time in charging and testifying against violators, and doing their part for keeping our community clean and free of trash and other debris. You can earn a $100 reward for turning in someone who littered.

There are some who say residents should do this on their own without the incentive. The reality is that most people do not file charges against litterbugs, and the problem ensues.

We commend the Board of Supervisors for passing the ordinance and taking another step in curbing the litter problem.

Doing so is needed, and allows Warren County to put its best foot forward for residents who own homes and raise families here, and for the many tourists we welcome into our community each year.

We encourage residents to take advantage of the incentive by filing charges against those who violate the litter ordinance.

We also acknowledge the role education can play in teaching youth in our community the importance of having respect for the environment and keeping our community clean and litter-free.

We encourage parents, schools and youth groups to educate their children, students and participants about the new ordinance and the importance of putting litter where it belongs — in the trash can.