Beaufort County is bulking up recycling program with new provider

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC (WSAV)—There’s a new plan to protect Beaufort County’s future one bottle, one can, one box at a time.

That’s where the newest county recycling plan comes in.

“The more things are recycled the less garbage ends up in a landfill, which is better for the Lowcountry environment,” said Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling Program Manager, Victoria Hoffman.

There’s 155,000 tons of trash, but only 22,000 pounds of recycled materials.

Beaufort County is working with a new company to get those numbers up.

I2 recycling is dedicated to not just getting to your recycled material but teaching people about why it’s important to clean up as well.

“This contract is starting with a new vendor who we’ve not used previously, and we’re really excited to partner with them. They are a recycling company,” said Hoffman. “They’re not a waste company. They’re vetted. They’re really excited to get on board with us and not only increase recycling, but also ensure that residents are well educated and doing it correctly.”

Beaufort County spends more than $450,000 on its recycling program.

The new version with the new company starts on Aug. 1 and there will be a few new rules for the people who want to drop off their items.

While there are no major changes, the Beaufort County is asking for the plastic caps or tops to be taken off your bottles before recycling and to take any of your recyclables out of plastic bags before they go in the bin.

“So, food, film, foam and bagged recyclables, a bag, recyclable, looks like a piece of trash, some of the other items we would like to make sure it’s not break glass and our wanting or bottles. We also would like for your plastic containers ones and twos to be eight ounces too, and accepting a gallon sized jug,” said Hoffman.

The goal statewide is to increase all counties recycling numbers to a 50-50 split with trash by 2030 and Beaufort County leaders plan to work toward that goal.

A composting program is also in the works, and they said they plan to have some informational sessions in the near future with more information.