Laurens County Says NO to Litter with Countywide Initiative
June 23, 2021
No one likes to see trash thrown into the streets, on the side of the road or in our natural parks and recreation areas.
Over the years, many dedicated volunteers have worked hard on the issue of cleaning up Laurens County. On Tuesday, June 22nd, Amanda Munyan, President and CEO of the Laurens County Chamber, announced the “Keep Laurens County Beautiful Campaign.”
A partnership with PalmettoPride, the campaign is an official collaboration across Laurens County with County Council & Administration, City of Clinton, SC, City of Fountain Inn Municipality, The City of Laurens, Laurens County Development Corporation, Laurens County Sheriff’s Office, along with many amazing volunteers and countless businesses & organizations.
Mayors of Fountain Inn, Laurens, Clinton and County Council Chair signing the ordinances into law.
“I am thrilled about the countywide collaboration and partnerships that have formed around the fight against litter in Laurens County. Every person involved plays a key role in the success of this program as we all work to make a huge impact, enforce the law, and educate the community,” said Munyan. “This new organized effort will take this initiative to a new level of success.”
The partnership with Palmetto Pride is one that began in 2006 and has resulted in Laurens County, and the municipalities within receiving:
- 60 grants from PalmettoPride totaling more than $180,000;
- Planted nearly 1,000 trees received from the PalmettoPride Tree Grant;
- Since 2017, law enforcement agencies throughout Laurens County have removed 557 tires from illegal dumpsites;
- These same law enforcement agencies have also
- written 57 state tickets for littering
- 15 uncovered load tickets
- Issued more than 130 warnings against littering or similar violations,
- and have collected nearly $5,000 in fines.
These collective efforts over the last 15 years have given Laurens County a foundation for the county wide approach now being implemented. Now the county and cities of Laurens, Clinton and Fountain Inn all have identical ordinances, and together they will fund the Keep Laurens County Beautiful Campaign.
The ordinances will allow law enforcement officers to write tickets and fine violators, and will be enforced consistently across the county.
County Council Chair Brown Patterson addressed those attending the press conference and praised the mayors, councils, and all who have been involved in getting the county to this point and who helped make the new initiative a realty. “This is a momentous occasion,” said Patterson. “Working together we will enforce the local laws, educate the public and take pride in our county.”
Patterson encouraged everyone to get involved in the efforts to clean up Laurens County. He added, “you don’t have to wait for a clean-up to be announced; everyone can do their part every day to keep the county clean.”
The Keep Laurens County Beautiful Campaign will include a full-time Affiliate Coordinator position. The position will oversee Laurens County’s litter prevention, beautification, and recycling education by acting as the administrator and director of all programs, financials, public relations, and fundraising activities for the County and municipalities within the County. Those interested in applying can click here for more information.
Laurens County also joined on as an affiliate of Keep South Carolina Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.
“The Laurens County Development Corporation is proud to be a part of the effort to clean up Laurens County. We want the areas and corridors that we showcase to visitors to be presented in the best light possible,” said Jonathan Coleman, President and CEO of the Laurens County Economic Development Corporation. “Great things can happen when people and organizations work together to accomplish a common goal, and this effort is further proof that Laurens County is moving in the right direction.”
It was a great day for Laurens County. Leaders across the county and from all cities worked together to make this happen.
Click on a picture below to view the full gallery of images from the event.
