Board votes to present Hilton Head three recycling and composting initiatives

At its meeting, the Keep Beaufort County Beautiful advisory board voted to codify and send three solid waste initiatives to the Town of Hilton Head for administrative consideration.

Megan Fitzpatrick (at‑large) told the board she had met with Hilton Head officials and described three proposed initiatives: establishing a solid waste transfer station consistent with Hilton Head’s strategic plan; creating a business recycling incentive program; and integrating a composting program on the island. “The town of Hilton Head is very amenable to our suggestions,” Fitzpatrick said, while noting that a recent public‑safety budget need could limit immediate tax‑funded work there.

Fitzpatrick moved to codify and present the three suggestions to Hilton Head; the motion was seconded by Bridal Dern (City of Beaufort liaison) and carried by voice vote after the board responded affirmatively.

Board members also discussed recycling at the new Hilton Head airport terminals. Fitzpatrick said airport recycling bins were removed in the past because of contamination issues; she has opened a dialogue with the airport director and proposed the board provide training and site evaluation if the airport revives recycling collection there.

Members recommended forming small subcommittees (within quorum limits) to focus on budget, strategic goals and outreach so the board can develop implementation detail and provide informed feedback to county council and external partners. Hoffman (county staff) said staff could support subcommittees and suggested inviting non‑voting advisers and subject‑matter experts to those groups.

The motion does not appropriate county funds or change county policy; it directs staff to prepare codified proposals for presentation to Hilton Head administration. Board members said they will follow up with staff on logistics and timing.