Trash a growing problem at Occupy Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C.,None — Residents of Occupy Charlotte spent a lot of time Wednesday cleaning up the lawn in front of Charlotte's old City Hall after trash looked like it was getting out of control.

"What we're trying to do is get this place a little better organized and get things cleaned up," one of the organizers said as he and others loaded garbage bags into the bed of a pickup truck.

The city does not provide garbage service for the protestors who have struggled to keep up with the clutter.

"I'll apologize for any sore-thumb issues. If it's looked bad for anyone walking by, that's not our intention," Scotty Dale Foster said.

Foster said one of the biggest problems was the group's makeshift kitchen that was struggling to feed everyone on the grounds and clean up after them.

"We realized we made a mistake and we're trying to straighten it up," Foster said.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police have been monitoring the camp and said they have not found any serious health issues there.

"We've made them aware that they need to keep it clean," said Sergeant D.L. Moorefield.

Moorefield said they have done reasonably well so far, but that police will continue to watch them.

WSOC