Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling Division was recently awarded a grant for $273,600 from United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Composting and Food Waste Reduction Program. The grant will help the County create a pilot program that encompasses a multi-phase approach to composting that will include:

• initiating a pilot project study
• implementing an outreach and education campaign
• diverting food waste and other organic materials
• producing compost

The program's goals are to increase education efforts regarding organic waste reduction and diversion, increase compost participation, decrease the amount of organic waste landfilled, and increase compost accessibility to local agricultural producers.

The program is tentatively scheduled to begin in July with a project study and planning session; implementation at the County Convenience Centers is estimated to begin in Spring 2025 and residential drop off sometime during FY 2025.

 "We are eager and excited to start this initiative with funding from the USDA and it marks a significant step towards sustainable waste management practices in Beaufort County," said Victoria Hoffman, County Solid Waste and Recycling Program Manager. "Through partnerships with local stakeholders, businesses, and County residents, the Beaufort County Solid Waste & Recycling Division plans to divert organic materials such as food waste into compost. The program hopes to not only mitigate the environmental impacts of food waste but also contribute to soil health and agricultural sustainability in the region."

Miss Hoffman emphasized the pivotal role this grant will play in helping achieve waste diversion goals set forth by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). The department anticipates a positive impact on the community and environment as a result of this pilot initiative. 

Read the USDA release here: USDA Invests Approximately $11.5 Million in Composting and Food Waste Reduction Projects in 23 States | USDA