Keep Bamberg County Beautiful Launches Cigarette Litter Recycling Program with $20,000 Grant

Keep Bamberg County Beautiful has launched a countywide cigarette litter prevention and recycling program, expanding tools to reduce butt litter and protect public infrastructure and community pride. The initiative, funded by a $20,000 grant from Keep America Beautiful, rolled out on January 16, 2026, with mountable outdoor ashtrays now available and standalone receptacles to be added soon.

The program supplies ashtrays that attach to most small-business and residential building structures, along with mobile ashtrays and cigarette butt recycling bags to encourage responsible disposal. Organizers say the approach aims to make it easier for smokers to do the right thing whether they are visiting a local business, attending an event, or spending time outdoors.

“Cigarette butts are one of the most common—and most preventable—forms of litter,” said Alisha Moore, executive director of Keep Bamberg County Beautiful. The program’s focus on accessible options reflects an emphasis on removing barriers to proper disposal and reducing litter in visible public areas and along streets.

Bamberg County Administrator Joey Preston framed the effort as practical infrastructure protection, noting the ties between litter and stormwater systems. “This program is the kind of proactive, practical solution that makes a real difference,” he said, adding that cleaner streets and clearer storm drains help guard against flooding and preserve public infrastructure.

Board members described the campaign as a community-driven step toward shared responsibility. “This is a visible way for our community to say, ‘We care,’” said Detra Sally-Bruce, KBCB board member. Nina Haynes, another board member, called the project a move to “create a standard of respect for our community and the people who live here,” while Rosella Cooper pointed out the cumulative effect of proper cigarette disposal: “Every cigarette butt that’s properly disposed of is one less piece of litter in our grass, our sidewalks, and our storm drains.”

Beyond immediate cleanliness, public health advocates say reduced cigarette litter can lower exposure to hazardous waste in public spaces and reduce cleanup costs that divert local resources. Keep Bamberg County Beautiful positions the program within its broader work on litter prevention, beautification, recycling education, and volunteer-powered cleanups across the county.

Small business owners, community groups, and residents who want an outdoor ashtray or additional disposal tools can contact KBCB directly. Requests and inquiries should be sent to Alisha Moore at (803) 809-4551 or kbcb@bambergcounty.sc.gov. KBCB said standalone ashtrays will be placed in high-traffic areas in the near future as the program expands.

For Bamberg County, the initiative represents a practical, low-cost step that combines environmental stewardship with community pride. With equipment already distributed and more placements coming, residents can expect to see cleaner entrances to businesses, clearer public spaces, and fewer cigarette butts in storm drains as the program scales.