Nearly 500,000 pounds of trash removed statewide during PalmettoPride’s SC Sweep

In only its second year, the SC Sweep expanded into a growing statewide movement, tripling litter removal totals and engaging volunteers in every South Carolina county.

In just a few days, thousands of South Carolinians came together to make a visible difference in their communities, removing 488,856 pounds of litter from roadsides, parks, and public spaces across all 46 counties.

Held March 21 through March 29, PalmettoPride’s second annual SC Sweep built on its early momentum, growing from more than 80 tons of litter removed in its first year to 244 tons collected statewide this year. What began as an effort to bring renewed energy to spring cleanups has quickly grown into a coordinated, statewide movement–driven by South Carolinians who care deeply about protecting what makes our state special.

In just its second year, the SC Sweep campaign resulted in:

• 2,903 volunteers participating statewide.
• 6,827 volunteer hours dedicated to cleanup efforts.
• 488,856 pounds of litter removed from roadsides and public spaces.
• $223,175 in estimated cost savings to communities.

This year’s effort was made possible by the continued support of partners across the state, including the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), whose crews worked alongside volunteers to address litter on state-maintained roads during the SC Sweep.

“The impact of the SC Sweep reflects the power of partnerships,” said PalmettoPride Executive Director Sarah Lyles. “Partners like SCDOT have long helped elevate our mission, and it’s collaboration between state agencies, local leaders, and volunteers that makes this kind of impact possible. We all share the goal of keeping South Carolina beautiful, and it’s work best accomplished together.”

The SC Sweep is one of many ways PalmettoPride engages communities throughout the year. The organization encourages residents to stay involved by picking up litter in their daily routines, recycling when possible, adopting a local space, and helping others understand the impact of litter in their communities. To learn more about the SC Sweep and how to get involved next year, visit www.palmettopride.org.

About PalmettoPride

PalmettoPride leads statewide efforts that inspire and empower community action, build public awareness and support local solutions that reduce litter and care for South Carolina’s environment. Created as the South Carolina Governor’s Task Force on Litter by the SC General Assembly in 1997, the organization became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2001 and was renamed PalmettoPride — a public-private partnership united by a shared goal: preventing litter by shifting attitudes, habits and expectations around waste in South Carolina.