What happens to all those flat critters in Columbus? Our city’s roadkill removal saga
What happens to the poor, unfortunate animals that don’t make it to the other side of the road? Someone has to do something about it.
As unpleasant as it is, roadkill (and what ultimately happens to it) is a fairly important issue for Columbus and you may not like what you learn.
Who is responsible for collecting the carcasses?
In Columbus, for animals that are on the rights of way on city streets, Columbus Public Works is the primary point of contact. Because of biology and the Georgia heat, this is a pretty time-sensitive endeavor, and sometimes city officials can’t get there in a timely manner. This is probably why you’ve seen some of the animals decomposing for several days.
However, if you need a dead animal removed from the road more quickly than the city can provide or from private property there are several agencies that provide this service.
Where do the bodies go?
Sadly, there is only one answer to this question: the landfill. It’s pretty gross, yes, but it’s a fairly common practice. Some states have a special, dedicated site for compositing the bodies while a few have incineration policies. But here in Columbus, Georgia, it’s into the landfill they go, and if you’re a private citizen you’ll have to pay $.30 a pound to deposit the animal carcass.
There are some procedures that landfills could implement for the disposal of the animals in the city dump, although it’s unclear if the Columbus site uses these.
Waste is compacted and covered with layers of soil or other (approved materials).
The use of impermeable barriers for gas-venting and removal of methane gasses
Surface water to intercept waste from entering the landfill with impermeable liners.
Use of leachate collection and treatment systems
What if we want to eat the meat?
There are some states, Georgia included, in which citizens can take the road kill for consumption, with a few rules:
Only wildlife species that have been accidentally killed by motor vehicles.
Black bears are an exception, at which time you spot one dead on the roadside, you must notify the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The meat must be fresh and in good condition.
Not your grandma’s Pig Jig. Look back at Columbus Riverfest history before May 3-4 event
Which services should be tipped, Georgia? Take our poll on digital tipping
