Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling Launches Compost Education Pilot Program As Next Step in Growing Composting Efforts

On October 1, USCC member Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling launched its new Compost Education Pilot Program and introduced the County’s new composting mascot, Mossy. 

According to the County, Mossy was developed with input from local cultural leaders “to reflect the Lowcountry’s natural beauty and heritage while encouraging residents to embrace sustainable practices.” The character will be utilized in educational campaigns at the County’s convenience centers, where residents will be encouraged to separate compostable materials from other waste streams. Mossy will engage the public about the importance of composting through engaging forms of storytelling and culturally situated outreach.

The educational campaign is a part of Beaufort County’s USDA-funded composting pilot program. The County has extensive goals for the pilot, which focus on growing access to composting through expanding drop-off locations and growing awareness of composting through educational campaigns and community outreach. The County has purchased an in-vessel composting unit, which will be the first of its kind to be operated by a South Carolina government entity.

Education and outreach campaigns that teach residents how to properly compost and why composting is important are crucial to successful composting programs. By launching Mossy and its educational campaign in conjunction with its composting drop-off program, Beaufort County is setting its pilot program up for success. You can read more about Beaufort County’s existing and growing composting programs by visiting the County's website.