The COVID-19 pandemic impacted people and businesses across the globe in innumerable ways. In Georgetown County, one of the impacts residents might find surprising is an increase in litter on roadways. The pandemic prevented inmate workers from the county detention center from cleaning up roadside litter as they normally would have.
“Without the regular pickups, we started receiving a number of complaints about roadside litter,” said County Council Chairman Louis Morant, who represents County Council District 7, which covers the northwest area of Georgetown County.
To address the issue, he decided to work with the county’s Environmental Services staff to organize a day of volunteer cleanups in communities throughout District 7. Cleanups will take place beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 22, in Plantersville, Pee Dee, Choppee, Oatland, Dunbar, Lanes Creek and Browns Ferry.
Volunteers will meet in the community park in each of those areas. There is no need to pre-register to participate. Trash bags, litter grabbing tools, safety vests and gloves will be provided for all participants. Volunteers are asked to wear brightly colored clothing, long pants and closed-toe shoes for additional safety.
Morant said he hopes the event will become an annual one.
“As chairman of Georgetown County Council, I wear many hats. But none is more important than collaborating with friends and neighbors to assist in the improvement of Georgetown County, and especially District 7,” Morant said. He asks fellow District 7 residents to “grab a few friends” and join him in the cleanup for the benefit of all residents.
For more information, contact Maureen Mulligan at (843) 545-3452.