“This Is Not a Dump”: Lewiston Residents Raise Concerns Over Piles of Trash and Debris

LEWISTON, Calif. - Piles of scattered trash and wreckage in Lewiston are drawing frustration from residents, with some calling for county involvement and others offering to help organize a community cleanup.

Photos show broken panels, exposed insulation, wood, metal and other debris spread across an area bordered by trees in the Trinity County community.

“Lewiston folks, you can do better. This is not a dump,” one resident wrote in a post calling attention to the conditions. “If you are responsible for this, who do you think is going to clean this up?”

The post prompted other residents to describe what they say has become a longstanding problem at a property referred to in the discussion as the old mall.

Several commenters said abandoned trailers and recreational vehicles had been sitting there for years before being dismantled. Others expressed concern that additional trash is being left among the wreckage.

The accounts differ on how the destruction occurred and who was responsible.

Residents also called for the property owner and county officials to address the conditions. Suggestions included requiring a cleanup, installing fencing and considering enforcement measures.

The information provided for this story does not include a response from the property owner or county officials, or confirmation of any enforcement action.

Alongside the frustration, several residents expressed a willingness to help.

One commenter offered to begin bagging and gathering trash if others could provide heavy duty garbage bags and help haul it away. The resident said a truck transmission problem currently prevents them from making disposal runs.

Another suggested organizing Saturday volunteer workdays, raising money and asking whether disposal costs could be reduced or dumpsters made available.

Others cautioned that the amount of debris could require substantial equipment, hauling and disposal expenses. No cleanup date, funding arrangement or disposal assistance has been confirmed as of now.

For some residents, the concern extends beyond the piles themselves. They say the conditions reflect poorly on a town where others are working to make a positive difference.

“Stand up for that town guys,” one commenter wrote. “It’s your home. Make others respect it.”