Statewide cleanup effort triples impact in just its second year
Columbia, SC (April 27, 2026) — In just ten days, thousands of South Carolinians made a visible impact in their communities, removing 488,856 pounds of litter from roadsides, parks, and public spaces across all 46 counties.
Held March 21–29, PalmettoPride’s second annual SC Sweep built on strong early momentum, growing from more than 80 tons of litter removed in its inaugural year to 244 tons collected statewide in 2026. What began as an effort to reinvigorate spring cleanups has quickly evolved into a coordinated, statewide movement driven by residents committed to protecting South Carolina’s natural beauty.
In its second year, the SC Sweep campaign achieved:
- 2,903 volunteers participating statewide
- 6,827 volunteer hours dedicated to cleanup efforts
- 488,856 pounds of litter removed from public spaces
- $223,175 in estimated cost savings to communities
This year’s success was made possible through continued collaboration with partners across the state, including the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), whose crews worked alongside volunteers to address litter on state-maintained roads.
“The impact of the SC Sweep reflects the power of partnerships,” said PalmettoPride Executive Director Sarah Lyles. “Partners like SCDOT have long helped elevate our mission, and it’s collaboration between state agencies, local leaders, and volunteers that makes this kind of impact possible. We all share the goal of keeping South Carolina beautiful, and it’s work best accomplished together.”
The SC Sweep is one of many initiatives PalmettoPride leads throughout the year to engage communities in litter prevention and environmental stewardship. Residents are encouraged to stay involved by picking up litter in their daily routines, recycling when possible, adopting local spaces, and helping raise awareness about the impact of litter.
To learn more about SC Sweep and how to get involved next year, visit www.palmettopride.org
