Investment in new trash collection equipment pays off

Contact:
Jackie Broach, Public Information Officer
Phone: (843) 545-3164
E-mail: jbroach@gtcounty.org
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Investment in new trash collection equipment pays off
 
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. – A recent investment in new trash collection equipment is paying off for Georgetown County Parks and Recreation. As tourist traffic slowed after Labor Day, Department Director Beth Goodale reviewed the results of the county’s first full season using a new compacting trailer and a fleet of bright yellow trash bins.
The verdict? Cleaner beaches, increased efficiency, safer working conditions and significant environmental benefits.
“Basically, it’s everything we hoped,” Goodale said. “This equipment allows our staff to get more done in less time, frees them up for other projects, uses taxpayer dollars more effectively, and keeps public areas cleaner. It has made a huge difference in our operations.”
A Smarter Way to Handle Trash
Last winter, Parks and Recreation received about $75,000 in state accommodations tax (A-Tax) funds to purchase the new equipment. Those funds, collected from hotels and short-term rental properties, are reinvested in projects that promote tourism.
The county replaced more than 400 of its old 50-gallon drums with 206 wheeled, lidded 96-gallon bins. The larger containers reduced the total number of bins needed by more than half and eliminated the need for plastic liners. Without liners, the county has cut about $14,000 in annual costs while keeping nearly 60,000 plastic bags out of the landfill every year.
The new compacting trailer, which holds 15 cubic yards of garbage, allows crews to collect much more trash before unloading at the landfill. That efficiency is especially valuable when trucks operate on the far reaches of the county, where a single round trip to the landfill can take hours. With the new system, collection days have been reduced from five or six per week to just two, freeing limited staff for other duties.
More Time for Other Cleanup
The time saved has allowed crews to remove abandoned tents, chairs and large debris from beaches far more often. “In the past, we could only get to that a few times a season. Now we’re doing it several times a month,” Goodale noted.
Theft of county trash bins has also dropped sharply—from about 80 per year with the old containers to just four this year. Goodale credits their bright yellow color.
“People think they’re ugly,” she said with a laugh. “But because they’re so distinctive, if one goes missing, it’s obvious where it came from. Apparently that’s a good deterrent.”
Funded by Tourism, Benefiting All
In total, the project cost about $163,000, which covered 260 cans, the compacting trailer, and startup manpower. With 206 cans currently in use and extras in reserve, the system is designed for long-term success.
Future A-Tax requests will focus only on manpower needs, as the major capital expenses are now covered.
“Tourism helps fund projects like this, and it’s making a real difference,” Goodale said. “Our public spaces are cleaner, there’s less odor around the bins, our staff are safer, and we’re seeing environmental benefits. It’s a win for everyone.”
 
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Pictured: James "Bob" Lewis of Park Maintenance pulls a lever to activate the compacting trailer.
 
More photos and video available upon request.