Recycling Awareness Grows in Beaufort County with First-Ever Community Tour

Recycling in Beaufort County: A Behind-the-Scenes Tour!

Curious About What Happens to Your Recyclables?

Hey there, Beaufort residents! Have you ever wondered what happens to your recycling after you toss it into the bin? Well, you’re in luck! On November 15, Beaufort County opened its doors to the community, offering a sneak peek into the *recycling facility* in Hardeeville. With a newly signed contract between Beaufort County and i2recycle—an organization owned by a local community member—this was a golden chance to shine a light on the recycling process.

A Strong Response from the Community

More than 50 enthusiastic folks showed up for this first-ever tour, where they got to see firsthand how their recycling efforts make a difference. It’s worth noting that there was so much interest, the organizers had to turn away an impressive 40 people on a waitlist! Valentina Palacio, the Environmental Education Coordinator with Beaufort County Public Works, shared that a significant reason for hosting these tours was to enhance transparency in the recycling process. “People want to know where their materials go after they drop them off,” she said.

Learning Through Experience

But it wasn’t just about looking—participants got their hands dirty, too! Adults on the tour had the chance to sort some recyclables into bins, which along with the live demonstrations, made for an interactive experience. Education was the name of the game, as attendees soaked up crucial information about what can and can’t be recycled.

For those of you who aren’t sure, here are some quick *tips*:

• All caps and lids must be removed from plastic and glass bottles before tossing them in the recycling bin.
• Plastic and glass items should be *larger than a cup but smaller than a gallon*.
• Please do NOT bag your recyclables.
• Recyclable paper should be larger than a standard envelope.
• Bottles and cans should remain uncrushed.

So, if you’re living in Beaufort County, now you know the *dos and don’ts* of recycling!

Making Recycling a Community Effort

As for future tours, Palacio expressed a strong desire to hold more events like this one. Community members showed a keen interest in learning, sparking a conversation about how to engage even further with recycling practices. Who doesn’t love the chance to learn something new while doing good for the environment?

Your Recycling Questions Answered!

If you’re interested in getting more information on recycling in Beaufort County, you’re in luck! The county’s official website offers a wealth of knowledge and guidelines to ensure that we’re all doing our part right. You can visit: Beaufortcountysc.gov/recycle or reach out to the Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling team at 843-255-2736.

Let’s continue to work together, Beaufort, and make our community a greener, cleaner place! Keep recycling, keep learning, and who knows—maybe you’ll be on the next *recycling tour!*