One Bag at a Time: Barry Krebs’ Vision for a Cleaner Mableton

If you’ve driven through Mableton on a Saturday morning over the last decade, you’ve likely seen him: a man in a safety vest with a grabber in one hand and an orange bag in the other.

Barry Krebs, the 2024 South Cobb Citizen of the Year, has turned a simple act of service into a lifelong mission for our community.

A Passion for the Path

For Barry, a 30-year resident who has seen Mableton evolve over the decades, keeping the streets clean is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about respect.

"People aren’t going to want to move here if they see a bunch of litter all over the roads," Barry says. He uses his weekly cleanups as a way to get his 10,000 steps in, but the impact is felt by everyone who drives down Mableton Parkway.

His commitment hasn't gone unnoticed. Jeff Padgett, a fellow board member at Keep Cobb Beautiful, notes that Barry is out there every single weekend. "He’s out there every Saturday morning, cleaning up trash," Jeff says. "We really enjoy it. He’s the kind of person who doesn’t call attention to himself."

Addressing the Blight

While Barry is a positive force, he isn't afraid to speak up about the challenges facing our city. One of his primary concerns is the proliferation of tire shops and businesses that contribute to local blight.

Specifically, Barry points out that a significant portion of the litter in our community is attributed to the illegal dumping of tires. This isn't just a local issue; much of this debris comes from people both inside and outside our community including those traveling from Atlanta to dump items in Mableton's less-traveled areas.

He believes that by addressing this dumping problem and raising our standards for how businesses maintain their properties, Mableton can attract the kind of investment that truly reflects the pride of its residents.

A Hopeful Future

Despite the uphill battle against litter and illegal dumping, Barry remains optimistic. His hope for the future is simple: a Mableton that looks and feels like a destination.

"I want us to enjoy a nice, beautiful community," he says. As he continues his work with the Lions Club and Keep Cobb Beautiful, he points to the perspective he gained at the International Lions Convention in Orlando.

Surrounded by 10,000 members from all over the world, he saw a unified spirit of service that he believes can be found right here on the streets of Mableton. He recalls that global gathering as a high point, noting that he "had a blast" seeing so many different people working together in harmony.

That same positive energy is what keeps him on the road every Saturday morning.

Want to join a Saturday cleanup? 

The South Cobb Lions Club is always looking for volunteers. It’s fresh air, a little exercise, and as Barry would tell you, immediately gratifying.

Check out the upcoming opportunities below.

[Click here to find the next community cleanup near you]