Bamberg County Offers Free Ashtrays to Reduce Cigarette Litter

Bamberg County moved to tackle one of the community's most persistent litter problems by making free outdoor ashtrays available to businesses, parks, and community organizations. The announcement on December 10, 2025, links the distribution to the county's ongoing Keep Bamberg County Beautiful program and follows a previously announced grant to the Keep Bamberg County Beautiful organization to support cigarette litter prevention work.

The county invited property managers, business owners, park stewards, and community groups to pick up ashtrays for county locations. Organizations and residents seeking details on pickup locations and availability were directed to contact county staff by email at info@bambergcounty.sc.gov or through the county social channels for scheduling and inventory information. The distribution is designed to complement existing cleanup and recycling activities rather than replace them.

Cigarette butts rank among the most common forms of litter and carry both visual and environmental costs for communities. By placing durable outdoor ashtrays in high traffic areas, downtown corridors and public green spaces, the county expects to reduce roadside and park litter and to provide convenient disposal options for visitors and residents. The program also reinforces broader municipal efforts to maintain civic spaces and to support volunteer cleanup activities.

Local businesses and property managers stand to benefit from easier maintenance and cleaner entrances, while park users and downtown visitors may notice fewer discarded smoking materials along sidewalks and trails. The Keep Bamberg County Beautiful partnership and the grant awarded earlier this year provide financial and organizational support for targeted outreach, installation guidance and follow up monitoring.

Residents and organizations interested in participating or obtaining ashtrays should email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov or reach out via the county social channels for pickup details and availability. The campaign offers a practical step toward cleaner public spaces and reflects a local commitment to waste prevention, public health and the visitor experience.