Around 170 volunteers remove 43,000 pounds of trash from San Antonio dumping site after years of complaints; property was a homeless encampment and had a $100,000 cleanup estimate
A long-standing dumping site in northeast Bexar County could soon be free of years of accumulated trash and debris, thanks to a volunteer-led cleanup effort. The roughly half-acre property near Elm Cove Drive, between Walzem and Old Seguin roads, had become a persistent concern for nearby residents.The site, located near 7715 Elm Cove Drive outside Converse and bordering a residential neighborhood, was filled with discarded mattresses, a couch, a barbecue pit and other large items. Over four cleanup events, volunteers with River Aid San Antonio have removed approximately 43,000 pounds of trash from the property, according to KSAT.
Volunteers tackle years of accumulated debris
Vic Gomez, operations manager for River Aid San Antonio, said volunteers were shocked by the condition of the property when they first arrived.“For all of us, this was kind of a shock,” Gomez said. “When we first came here, we were walking through a lasagna layer of garbage that had accumulated over several years.”The property falls within the precinct of Bexar County Precinct 4 Commissioner Tommy Calvert. According to county officials, residents had complained about illegal dumping at the location for years.
Volunteers clear years of accumulated debris from a dumping hotspot outside Converse. (Photo: KSAT)
Libby Day, Calvert’s chief of staff, said the county had previously faced difficulties addressing the problem because officials were unable to contact the property owner.“This was formerly an encampment for folks who were suffering from homelessness,” Day said. “And one of the challenges with this site was the county was unable to get in contact with the property owner.”That situation has since changed, allowing the county to take additional steps to address the ongoing problems at the property.
County works with Haven for Hope before enforcement
After establishing contact with the property owner, the county was able to obtain consent for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office to address illegal trespassing and dumping at the site.Before enforcement began, county officials also worked with Haven for Hope to connect people who had been staying at the property with shelter, services and other resources.“We did a lot of outreach with Haven for Hope, made sure folks got connected with services and resources,” Day said. “If they wanted to go to Haven, there were beds for them, and once that outreach took place, then enforcement started.”The county had initially received an estimated $100,000 quote to clean up the property using taxpayer funds. Day said that amount would have accounted for more than half of the county’s entire abatement budget.
River Aid San Antonio helps reduce cleanup costs
River Aid San Antonio volunteers and local residents work to restore a neglected Bexar County property. (Photo: KSAT)
Rather than relying solely on county funds, River Aid San Antonio stepped in to organize a volunteer cleanup effort.The response has brought together around 170 volunteers across four cleanup events, with residents from the surrounding neighborhood also joining the effort.“We’ve had a good handful of the neighbors come out to help us clean, and I think they’re very excited to help us make that difference,” Gomez said.The work has already removed 43,000 pounds of trash, significantly changing the appearance of the property and addressing a long-running concern for nearby residents.
Final cleanup planned for November
River Aid San Antonio has one final cleanup event planned for Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to noon.Volunteers are expected to meet at 7715 Elm Cove Drive to help complete the effort at the northeast Bexar County property.For residents who have lived near the site for years, the cleanup represents more than the removal of unwanted debris. It marks an effort to reclaim a neglected piece of land and address a dumping problem that had persisted for years.
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