Beaufort Co. employees spread out across the county for Earth Day cleanup

by Aaron Dixon

BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - Beaufort County employees traded their desks for trash bags and safety vests Friday morning, fanning out across the county to pick up litter and debris as part of the county’s annual Earth Day cleanup.

County staff were divided into 25 groups, working along roadways and in public areas to help tackle litter issues, county leaders say they deal with year-round.

“This is pivotal — trash, waste, and litter are something that we deal with constantly,” said Jared Fralix, assistant Beaufort County administrator of infrastructure. “We work on it, we have two crews, but to do it as a community and as a whole region, it really shows the importance of keeping our area beautiful.”

The event marks the eighth year Beaufort County has hosted a countywide cleanup.

Last year, employees collected about 9,000 pounds of trash. County leaders said they hope to beat that total this year.

One of the cleanup groups started the morning near Widgeon Point Reserve, where employees walked the area collecting litter.

For some, it was their first time participating.

“It’s just something different that we can do together and really give back,” said Nicole Wood, deputy Beaufort County administrator. “It’s something I think, you know, it’s one of our values at the county, and it’s a way that staff can feel good about where they work, live, and play every day.”

Compost pilot program underway

County leaders said their Earth Day efforts go beyond one day of cleanup. Beaufort County has also launched a compost program, with hundreds of people already participating.

Officials said thousands of pounds of compost material have been collected so far.