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Keep Charleston Beautiful

Show All Answers

1. Is littering illegal?

Yes, both state and local ordinances address littering. Anyone can review City ordinances at: https://www.municode.com/library/sc/charleston.

2. I saw someone throw litter out of their car. Who do I report this to?

If you see someone littering from a vehicle, you can report them to the statewide Litter Busters Hotline at 1-877-7LITTER (1-877-754-8837). Have the following information ready: Item littered, Time, Car's location, Make and model of car, and License plate number. An officer will take down the information and track the owner of the vehicle through the state Department of Public Safety. The owner of the vehicle will receive a notice that he or she was witnessed littering and they will be reminded that there are stiff penalties for littering in South Carolina. This letter is just a courtesy letter and does not constitute a ticket of any sort.

3. How do I report Graffiti?

Call the Customer Service Desk 843-724-7311 to report graffiti in Charleston. Call 843-577-7434 immediately if you see someone painting graffiti or posting flyers.

4. Who do I contact about trash left out or similar code enforcement issues?

First ask the person to correct the situation before involving the authorities. If the problem continues, report the violation to the Livability Division at 805-3226.Provide the authorities with as much documented evidence as you can.

5. What can I do about pet waste issues?

Dog waste is litter and it is unlawful to leave it on public or private properties. You can report a particular individual to the Livability Court at 805-3226, please provide as much documented evidence as you can.

You can also purchase a Pick Up After Your Pet sign to hang on your private property or you can sponsor a dog bag dispenser at a City park near you. Additionally, Keep Charleston Beautiful has brochures available on the harmful impacts of pet waste and the laws regarding it.

6. What is a snipe sign?

A snipe sign is a sign made on any material and attached to any object and having no application to the premises where located. These signs tend to be found along major roads and are not allowed within the City of Charleston.

Municipal Code states "It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly authorize or employ any person to cause the erecting, posting, plastering, painting, gluing, writing, drawing, chalking, stamping, sticking, printing, nailing, stapling, tacking, or attaching or affixing by any means whatsoever of any handbill, poster, card, notice, marker, placard, bumper sticker, gummed label, sign, advertisement, inscription, figure, mark, symbol, lettering, name, sticker or any other material not exempt pursuant to the subsection 21-87(c) herein upon any public sidewalk, building, curb, gutter, wall, flagstone, tree, lamp post, awning post, telegraph pole, telephone pole, public utility pole, public garage bin, bus shelter, bridge [abutment], highway fence, barrel, box, parking meter, mailbox, traffic [signal] control device, traffic stanchion, traffic sign (including pole), tree box, tree pit protection device, bench, traffic barrier, hydrant, public pay telephone, picnic tables, playground equipment, or any other public property or on private property except by permission of the owner or authorized agent of the owner of such property"

Basically, snipe signs make our roadways look bad and they are not allowed. If you would like to report snipe signs please call the Livability Court at 805-3226.

7. What are the hours of the Bees Ferry Landfill?

Bees Ferry Landfill in West Ashley is located at 1344 Bees Ferry Road, their phone number is 571-0929 or to reach the Bees Ferry Household Hazardous Materials Station call 763-8564. Please see the Charleston County website for additional information. Charleston County Website

8. What is my garbage collection day? What is my recycling day?

Garbage and trash collection is handled by the City’s Environmental Services Division. You may contact them at 843-724-7364 with questions or concerns about residential or commercial garbage and trash collection. Or find more information about their services under the Public Service Division on the City web page. Recycling is handled by Charleston County- 720-7111.

9. How do I set up recycling? What can I recycle?

All recycling is handled by Charleston County 720-7111. Please call them to set up recycling pick up and to get specific information on what can be recycled.

For more information visit their web site at:
http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/solidwaste/index.htm

Local Recycling Centers:
Bees Ferry Road Convenience Center, 1344 Bees Ferry Road
Charleston County Recycling Center, 13 Romney Street

10. Can I recycle my phone books?

Yes. Drop them in your blue bin just like newspaper.

11. I need to complete some community service. Can I work with Keep Charleston Beautiful?

Definitely, we have opportunities available for completion of community service assigned by the court or by another organization. Community service can be completed during regular office hours or on the weekends (if there are scheduled events). Call the office to schedule an initial meeting.

12. Can you speak to my community group about litter?

Yes. We give presentations at all sorts of meetings including civic groups, neighborhoods, service organizations, and churches. Our speakers can tailor a presentation to the needs of your organization. We are speak at day, evening, or weekend meetings. Call the office for more information about presentations or to schedule a presentation for your group.

13. How do I schedule a School presentation?

Principals, teachers or parents can contact us to schedule a Clean City Clara, Talking Trash, or other education presentation for their school, 843-579-7501. The presentations are free and are available to schools in the Charleston area.

14. How do I plan an event in a park?

To plan an event in a City park you first need to contact Recreation to start your permitting process. Their number is 724-7327.
If you need tips on how to host an environmentally friendly event Keep Charleston Beautiful can provide that information. Additionally, if you would like to host a cleanup or beautification event within one of the City parks Keep Charleston Beautiful can help provide information and possibly supplies for the event.

15. Who is responsible for maintaining litter-free roadways in Charleston?

This is a question with many answers. Did you know in South Carolina there are over 60,000 public road miles? SCDOT maintains over 41,000 miles of those roadways. The remaining miles are maintained by local governments, private businesses or individuals.

If you are not sure who maintains a roadway near you check out the SCDOT link. http://www.scdot.org/default.aspx

Each entity uses their own contractor to maintain roadways. The City of Charleston's ‘Gateway Maintenance’ contractor is required to pick-up and remove all litter prior to mowing, and we have experienced full compliance from him over the past six years.

If you would like information on Adopt-a-Highway please visit the Community Pride website, http://communityprideinc.com/.

16. What are the rules for the City's fenced dog runs?

Dog Run Rules:
1) The area is open from 6:30 am to sundown
2) All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. Current tags must be worn. Puppies must be at least four months old to enter the dog run.
3) All Dogs must be accompanied by their owners, with a limit of two dogs per person. Unattended dogs will be removed.
4) Dogs in heat and aggressive dogs are not allowed in the dog run area.
5) Dogs that bark persistently should be removed from the dog run area.
6) Owners must carry a leash at all times. Dogs should be leashed when entering/exiting the dog run
7) Owners are required to clean up after their dogs and fill any holes create d by their dogs immediately.
8) Violators are subject to removal from the dog run and suspension of dog run privileges.

17. What is 10,000 Trees for Charleston?

Tress is a community program run by a core group of volunteers to help facilitate a promote the planting of Trees throughout Charleston. The group focuses fundraising efforts for trees along Charleston’s major corridors. The program also helps facilitate Live Oak adoptions for property owners looking to plant a tree on their land.