LIBERTY — Liberty is one of 10 cities that PalmettoPride has awarded trash receptacles as part of a trash can mini-grant.

Recipients also include the cities of Camden, Gaffney, and Walterboro as well as the towns of Blacksville, Carlisle, Chapin, North, Ridgeway and Saluda.

The mini-grant was offered to members of the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) accompanying PalmettoPride’s presentation on litter and quality of life at the 2017 MASC annual conference this summer.

Trash cans are vital tools for litter prevention but can be pricey and are often an over-looked purchase by administrations when faced with more life-saving needs of the community. Research shows that attractive and sturdy trash receptacles can make a difference in litter prevention as people are more apt to use them if they are maintained.

“The appearance of things like trash cans, park benches, lighting and landscaping maintenance do make a difference when cities want to tackle litter in their community,” said Sarah Lyles, executive director of PalmettoPride. “PalmettoPride wants to help cities obtain the tools needed to reduce litter and promote a better quality of life.”

PalmettoPride had a high volume of applications and could not award every request but will allow the applicants to submit their grant for the upcoming Community Pride Grants, which open on Nov. 1. Community Pride Grants give funds to governments and local organizations to initiate litter prevention programs in their communities.

“Anti-litter programs work best when led by community leaders. Mayors, council members and community leaders must lead if they want to see change,” said Lyles.

For more information on PalmettoPride, contact Lyles at slyles@palmettopride.org or 803-758-6034.

Staff Report