Keep Beaufort County Beautiful asks for funds to support plastic‑reduction campaign and school recycling pilots

Jean, co‑chair of Keep Beaufort County Beautiful, updated councilmembers on FY26 accomplishments and asked for continued funding to support outreach and implementation if the county’s proposed single‑use plastic reduction ordinance advances to a full vote. Jean said the group has expanded plantings (about 1,200 bulbs mentioned) and is acquiring semi‑permanent signage for planting sites; procurement for conference expenses, landscape buys and a Route 278 sign are pending.

Jean described collaboration with public‑works staff and the school district to pilot improved recycling in schools; he said only 4 of 41 school facilities currently have recycling containers in place and proposed using modest county funds to buy pilot dumpsters and materials, while partnering with the county’s waste contractors to avoid duplicative spending. He also noted the group’s role offering communications support and materials for a new ordinance’s implementation should council approve it.

Councilmembers questioned the size of the request relative to millage neutrality and asked how the nonprofit would avoid duplicating county programs; Jean said many efforts would be supplemental and focused on engagement and education—student contests, outreach materials and installation assistance—rather than supplanting existing county programs. He also said the group is pursuing a memorial version of a historic “rice trunk” sign after SCDOT declined roadside installation.

Council members asked staff to consider the request alongside other county priorities as they assemble recommendations for the finance committee.