Annual ‘Operation Move-out’ initiative to begin July 29

The city of Charleston’s annual “Operation Move-out” initiative will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 29 and be conducted through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 3, excluding Sunday, August 1. During this time, tenants are asked to place trash items at the curb by 7 a.m. for same-day pickup.

Why it matters: The initiative, organized by the city’s Department of Livability and Tourism, was developed to better manage the removal of trash and discarded household goods from the public right of way as renters and college students move out of their rental properties downtown.

Through this annual collection program, the city is able to help facilitate the high volume of downtown rental unit turnover during the last week of July while preventing the buildup of items left behind.

How it works: Livability Division code enforcement officers will conduct patrols in the area of the peninsula most affected by the end-of-July move-out—between Line Street and Beaufain Street—to identify locations where trash is being discarded improperly.

These code enforcement officers will provide informational flyers to tenants describing proper methods for discarding household items and outlining alternative methods, like donating gently used items to charities such as Good Will Industries and Homeless to Hope.

What they’re saying: Dan Riccio, director of the city’s Livability and Tourism Department, said, “Through this annual initiative, we’re able to work with local landlords and tenants to properly and efficiently dispose of trash and discarded items each summer. We look forward to completing our 11^th Operation Move-out this year and continuing our efforts to maintain the beauty of our public spaces.”