Councilwoman Newton, Rep. Johnson to lead Lower Richland cleanup
April 13, 2021
“Richland County: Too Good to Trash” anti-litter campaign efforts continue
Richland County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton and S.C. House Rep. Jermaine Johnson are teaming up to lead residents in a cleanup event Saturday, April 17 in Lower Richland.
The effort is part of the County’s “Too Good to Trash” campaign, which encourages residents to join or organize anti-litter efforts in their communities and seeks to increase awareness of County waste disposal services.
The cleanup will take place along selected roads near Lower Richland Boulevard and is one of two events scheduled Saturday for Lower Richland. Congaree National Park is organizing a litter cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon along South Cedar Creek Road.
Newton said Lower Richland residents have reported an uptick in litter on both busy and less-traveled roads during the COVID-19 pandemic. With assistance from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, she and Johnson decided to team up to mobilize residents to take action.
“We all care about our community, and we are proud to live here,” Newton said of the County’s efforts. “This is an opportunity for us to come together as neighbors to clean our roads and inspire others to keep our neighborhoods beautiful.”
Registration is not required to participate in the cleanup led by Newton and Johnson, but residents are encouraged to sign up online through Eventbrite to help organizers better plan for the event.
“I believe Richland County is being a leader with these community cleanup efforts,” Johnson said. “I’m excited to be a part of this and excited that it’s happening. I want as many people to sign up, and maybe we can duplicate this in all areas of our County.”
WHO: Richland County Councilwoman Chakisse Newton, District 11; S.C. Rep. Jermaine Johnson; the Richland County Sheriff’s Department
WHAT: Litter cleanup in Lower Richland
WHEN: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 17
WHERE: Richland County Sheriff’s Department Region 1 Substation, 2615 Lower Richland Blvd., Hopkins
Volunteers for this event should meet at the substation for a safety briefing and instructions. All supplies (e.g., bags, grabber sticks) will be provided, and the Sheriff’s Department and Richland County will provide escorts for volunteers as a safety precaution.
The Congaree National Park cleanup will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Those interested in participating must register by emailing [email protected] or calling 803-647-3979. This event is limited to 20 people, and volunteers must sign an agreement to participate.
