Beaufort County Plastic Reduction Ordinance: What Locals Need to Know

What to know about Beaufort County’s proposed plastic reduction ordinance and the mission behind Keep Beaufort County Beautiful

The Lowcountry is a special place, and at the heart of it all is the environment that shapes how we live. From winding marshes and waterways to beaches, wildlife and outdoor recreation, protecting Beaufort County’s ecosystem is part of protecting the community itself. That mission is central to the work of the Keep Beaufort County Beautiful Board, a local initiative focused on beautification, litter control and waste reduction throughout the county.

As conversations around sustainability continue to grow, the board is now helping lead communication and community education efforts tied to a proposed Beaufort County plastic reduction ordinance that could bring significant changes to how single-use plastics are distributed across the region.

What is Keep Beaufort County Beautiful?

The Keep Beaufort County Beautiful Board’s mission is centered on:

“Educating and empowering the Beaufort County community to participate directly in improving the environment through an all-out effort in beautification, litter control and waste reduction.”

The organization works to encourage cleaner public spaces, reduce litter and promote environmental stewardship across Beaufort County communities.

Learn more about the organization here: Keep Beaufort County Beautiful

What is the proposed plastic reduction ordinance?

Beaufort County Council is considering a new ordinance that would significantly reduce single-use plastics, as local leaders weigh environmental and economic impacts.

The proposed measure would:

• Ban retailers and food service establishments from distributing plastic shopping bags
• Ban polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) food containers
• Require plastic utensils and straws to be distributed only upon request

Supporters of the ordinance cite concerns about:

• Plastic pollution in waterways
• Impacts on wildlife and marine ecosystems
• Long-term effects on tourism and the Lowcountry’s natural beauty

Public input and additional discussion are expected before any final decision is made.

What happens next?

The Beaufort County Council is expected to vote on the proposed ordinance on or around June 8. If approved, local municipalities are also expected to evaluate similar measures through their own governing bodies.

Separate from the county process:

• Port Royal
• Hilton Head Island
• Bluffton
• Beaufort

are all evaluating similar policies independently.

An eight-month transition period is expected following approval, during which the Keep Beaufort County Beautiful Board plans to actively communicate with:

• Residents
• Visitors
• Businesses
• Volunteers

The goal is to help the community understand the ordinance, prepare for changes and support long-term environmental improvements.