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Committee forwards expanded single-use plastics ordinance to county council after public testimony
Summary
After public testimony and a staff presentation, the Natural Resources Committee voted 5–2 to send proposed amendments expanding Beaufort County’s plastic bag ordinance to the full county council for first reading; changes would add thick plastic bags and polystyrene foam to the ban and require cutlery and straws be provided only on request, with exemptions and an eight-month transition period.
The Beaufort County Natural Resources Committee voted 5–2 to forward proposed amendments to the county’s 2018 single-use plastic bag ordinance to county council for first reading following public testimony and a staff presentation.
Environmental long-range planner Juliana Zadek outlined the draft amendments: expand the existing bag ban to include thick plastic bags and expanded polystyrene foam dining containers (takeout clamshells, cups, plates), add a 'by request' rule for plastic cutlery and straws (items not handed out automatically), and update definitions—including a reusable bag standard requiring stitched handles and the ability to be cleaned. The draft also lists exemptions for grocery packaging, construction uses, durable and encapsulated products, organizations providing humanitarian aid and schools/churches, and for materials required by state law or used in declared emergencies. Staff said there would be a minimum eight-month transition period after adoption, extended if the last municipality adopts later.
Several public commenters urged stronger action. Grant McClure of the Coastal Conservation League cited a countywide survey with over 6,000 responses showing public support for reducing single-use plastics and said the amendments would reduce litter and microplastics entering waterways. Courtney Kimball of the Port Royal Sound Foundation described local plankton trawls that consistently found microplastic contamination and summarized research by saying "humans are eating about, credit cards worth of plastic a week." Resident Tom Donahue recounted seeing turtles harmed by plastic and urged elimination of plastic bags.
During committee discussion some members said their litter experience differs—several cited seeing more plastic bottles and paper fast-food bags than single-use bags—and expressed concern about potential cost impacts to consumers and small businesses. Staff and supporters said the draft reflects community survey results and municipal outreach; the City of Beaufort has taken similar language on first reading and other municipalities are watching the county’s final language.
A motion to forward the ordinance to county council for first reading was moved and seconded; two members objected and the motion carried 5–2. The ordinance will next go to county council for the formal public hearings and readings required under county code. Municipal partners were described as likely to consider 'substantially similar' language after reviewing the county’s final draft.
