Charleston County Bans the Disposal
of Plastic Bags at the Compost Facility
at Bees Ferry Landfill and All Convenience
Centers Effective November 1, 2011

PURPOSE/GOAL

The primary goal of the Yard Waste Plastic Bag Ban, effective November 1, 2011, is to eliminate the environmental impact of plastic contaminants, (which do not break down), and to enhance the overall quality of the compost produced at the Compost Facility, making it a more marketable product for resale to residents and commercial landscapers and retailers.  Ultimately, the Yard Waste Plastic Bag Ban effectively “closes the loop,” so that residents, landscapers, and retailers alike may purchase a high quality compost that is generated, produced, and sold locally.

IMPLEMENTATION

Curbside and On-site Locations

Local municipalities, towns, public service districts (PSD) and private haulers determine how yard waste is to be assembled and collected at the curb or other on-site location.  For more information on how your local service provider would like for you to place your yard waste at the curb (or other on-site location) beginning November 1, 2011, please refer to the Yard Waste Plastic Bag Ban Reference Sheet.

Charleston County Bee’s Ferry Landfill and Convenience Centers

Charleston County citizens may bring their yard waste in plastic bags or containers; but, it must be emptied in the designated yard waste drop-off area for disposal without the plastic bags.  Yard waste will be accepted loose or in paper yard waste bags only at these locations. 

ENFORCEMENT

After the November 1, 2011 effective date, Bees Ferry Landfill staff will reject all loads of yard waste containing plastic bagged material.  It will be the hauler’s responsibility to remove all yard waste from the plastic bags before the rejected load may be brought back to the landfill.

Staff will not allow yard waste in plastic bags to be disposed at County Convenience Centers.

Yard Waste Paper Bags

Many local jurisdictions allow yard waste to be collected in paper bags that may be purchased from local grocery, home improvement, general merchandise, and some nursery retailers.  Please contact your local retailer for price and availability information.

QUESTIONS?

For more detailed information about the Yard Waste Plastic Bag Ban program, please refer to the Yard Waste Questions and Answers.