Keep Bamberg County Beautiful (KBCB) announces the continued rollout of its Cigarette Litter Prevention & Recycling Program, a countywide initiative designed to reduce cigarette butt litter, encourage responsible disposal and recycling, and help keep public spaces cleaner and safer for everyone. This program is made possible by a $20,000 grant from Keep America Beautiful, which supports KBCB鈥檚 efforts to expand access to cigarette waste disposal options and recycling resources across Bamberg County.
鈥淐igarette butts are one of the most common鈥攁nd most preventable鈥攆orms of litter,鈥� said Alisha Moore, Executive Director of Keep Bamberg County Beautiful. 鈥淭his program is about more than ashtrays. It鈥檚 about protecting our neighborhoods, supporting our small businesses, and building a culture of responsibility where every person can take pride in keeping Bamberg County clean.鈥�
As part of the initiative,听outdoor ashtrays are currently available. They are mountable on most听small-business or residential building structures, making it easy for property owners to provide a clear, designated place for cigarette waste. KBCB also announced that standalone ashtrays will听be added in the very near future, expanding placement options in high-traffic areas and community spaces.
鈥淭his program is the kind of proactive, practical solution that makes a real difference,鈥� said Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston. 鈥淩educing litter improves the appearance of our communities, strengthens local pride, and supports the ongoing work we鈥檙e doing to protect public infrastructure鈥攅specially stormwater systems that must stay clear to help prevent flooding as much as possible.鈥�
In addition to outdoor receptacles, KBCB is providing mobile ashtrays and cigarette butt recycling bags to encourage smokers to dispose of cigarette waste responsibly. These tools are intended to make the right choice easier鈥攚hether someone is at a local business, attending an event, or spending time outdoors.
KBCB board members say the program reflects a shared commitment to community health, beautification, and accountability. 鈥淭his is a visible way for our community to say, 鈥榃e care,鈥� said Detra Sally-Bruce, KBCB Board听Member. 鈥淲hen we provide simple solutions, we remove excuses鈥攁nd we make it easier for everyone to do their part.鈥�
鈥淭his program supports clean streets, cleaner entrances to businesses, and cleaner public spaces,鈥� said Nina Haynes,听KBCB Board Member. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about creating a standard of respect for our community and the people who live here.鈥�
鈥淓very cigarette butt that鈥檚 properly disposed of is one less piece of litter in our grass, our sidewalks, and our storm drains,鈥� said Rosella Cooper,听KBCB Board Member. 鈥淭hat adds up quickly鈥攁nd the results will be something we can all see.鈥�