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Staff: e‑waste scheduling, Adopt‑a‑Highway growth and school outreach expand
Summary
Staff reported switching to appointment‑based e‑waste drop‑offs (projected ~$100,000 annual savings), Adopt‑a‑Highway program growth (about 101 active groups), and new education outreach staff Libby Bergman reaching more than 300 students in her first month.
At the April 9 meeting staff gave operational updates on events, volunteer programs and education outreach.
Victoria Hoffman (Solid Waste & Recycling) told the board that the county will move e‑waste drop‑offs to an appointment model after May 16, which staff estimate will save roughly $100,000 annually by reducing the need for large quarterly staffed events. The scheduled April 18 shredding event (Bluffton) and an e‑waste drop‑off on May 16 were announced as the last of the large hosted events before the appointment process begins.
Jesus Rodriguez (assistant superintendent, Solid Waste & Recycling) summarized litter control metrics and fleet activity. For the recent reporting period staff collected approximately 889 bags of trash (roughly 25,000+ pounds) and more than 4,000 pounds of bulk waste; he also described quadrant coverage and ongoing improvements in inventory and logistics management.
The board welcomed new education/outreach staff member Libby Bergman, who said she has "reached over 300 for just interactions" in presentations at multiple schools, career days and community events in her first month. Staff described plans to expand classroom composting and recycling work, three secured classes at Port Royal Elementary, and summer camp gardening sessions that will include composting and hands‑on activities.
A public commenter, Christine Murphy of Buckingham Landing, urged the board to look at a county‑owned, currently vacant building and nearby grounds as a potential community green space; staff said the county is analyzing possible uses and that the board could provide conceptual landscape plans to assist county planning. The meeting record shows board members agreed to follow up on potential project ideas and volunteer support.
The meeting included recognition of recent grants and donations (Palmetto Pride check for $8,250) and reported partnerships with community groups and events for Earth Day on April 24.
