Beaufort County analyzes rising waste costs and convenience center usage

The Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling Board convened on Thursday, May 22, 2025, to discuss key issues regarding waste management and recycling in the region. The meeting highlighted the increasing volume of waste and the reliance on convenience centers for waste disposal, particularly in less populated areas.

The session began with a report on the year-to-date statistics, revealing that approximately 230,000 individuals visited the waste centers in the third quarter of 2024. Board members noted that Hilton Head and Bluffton are the most densely populated areas, contributing significantly to the overall waste volume. There was a call for more residents to utilize curbside municipal solid waste (MSW) pickup instead of depending heavily on convenience centers, which are experiencing high traffic.

Discussions also covered the financial aspects of waste management, including hauling and disposal costs. It was noted that as the population grows, so does the tonnage of waste, leading to increased costs. The board clarified that while they had previously operated as an enterprise fund, they were not truly self-sustaining, as budget allocations come from the county council like other departments.

The meeting transitioned to recycling efforts, where a comparison of tonnage from convenience centers versus residential routes was presented. It was observed that in District 1, which includes the City of Beaufort and Port Royal, all recycling tonnage came from residential curbside services. In contrast, District 3 showed a higher reliance on convenience centers for recycling, indicating a need for improved outreach to encourage curbside participation.

Concerns were raised about District 5, Sheldon Township, which reported zero recycling tonnage. The board acknowledged the need for targeted outreach in this area and District 8, which also showed low participation. Additionally, Daufuskie Island was mentioned for its cardboard recycling efforts, which are reported directly to the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the challenges faced by Beaufort County in managing waste and recycling effectively. The board plans to enhance outreach initiatives to boost participation in curbside services and address the disparities in recycling efforts across different districts.