FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
To: News Media
From: Keep Bamberg County Beautiful
Date: July 21st, 2025
Bamberg, South Carolina (July 2025) – Keep Bamberg County Beautiful (KBCB) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $20,000 grant from Keep America Beautiful® to implement a Cigarette Litter Prevention and Recycling Program across Bamberg County. The initiative aims to reduce the most commonly littered item in the U.S.—cigarette butts—through a combination of public education, infrastructure, and community engagement.
This grant marks a significant milestone for Bamberg County as it steps forward with a comprehensive effort to address tobacco-related litter in public spaces. The campaign will include the installation of cigarette receptacles in key areas throughout the county, public service messaging, community outreach, and volunteer-based data collection efforts to measure progress.
“We are truly honored and grateful to receive this support from Keep America Beautiful,” said Alisha Moore, Program Director of Keep Bamberg County Beautiful. “This funding allows us to launch a targeted and impactful campaign that not only addresses cigarette litter but also educates the public on recycling options and environmental stewardship. We look forward to partnering with our residents and municipalities to make Bamberg County cleaner and more beautiful for everyone.”
The program will serve multiple communities within the county, including Bamberg, Denmark, Ehrhardt, Govan, and Olar, and will emphasize proper disposal of cigarette butts through convenient infrastructure and messaging.
Bamberg County Chairwoman Sharon Hammond celebrated the announcement, stating, “This is a proud moment for our county. We are excited to see our vision for a cleaner and healthier Bamberg County come to life through this new initiative. We thank Keep America Beautiful for believing in our rural communities and investing in our future.”
County Administrator Joey Preston added, “We are deeply appreciative of this award and proud of the leadership of Keep Bamberg County Beautiful. This grant will allow us to address an ongoing environmental issue with actionable, long-term solutions. We look forward to the positive impact this program will have across the entire county.”
The Cigarette Litter Prevention and Recycling Program is expected to roll out over the summer, with visible changes beginning as early as August 2025. Community members and volunteers will be invited to participate in outreach and cleanup events, ensuring the campaign's success through shared responsibility and a sense of pride. If you would like to request an outdoor ashtray for your location, please contact Alisha Moore at (803) 809-4551 or email kbcb@bambergcounty.sc.gov. Let’s work together for a cleaner, more beautiful Bamberg County!
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To get involved with Keep Bamberg County Beautiful, please don't hesitate to contact Alisha Moore at amoore@bambergcounty.sc.gov. For more information on this news release, please email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov.