HORRY COUNTY, SC- Results of a recent study show the litter problem in Horry County has gotten worse, despite efforts to clean up.
The Keep Horry County Beautiful Committee completes the litter index every year, ranking areas of the county based on the amount of litter and illegal signage. The group uses a 1-4 scale, 1 being good and 4 being bad. Horry County’s overall score in 2014 was a 1.8, that number increased to 2.15 this year.
Committee Chair Bo Ives found the results surprising. According to Ives, the past four years showed improvement and the county has increased its efforts to help.
“Volunteerism is up and the county now has a litter control department,” said Ives “Something is wrong with this picture.”
Figuring out why is a challenge. Ives said the county does not want to increase taxes to pick up after people.
“It’s really a shame that so much energy has to be expended because some people are just simply careless,” he said.
This year the committee decided to try something new, surveying areas in March instead of June. This change is important to the results because it show residents may be more responsible than tourists, Ives says.
Areas that scored a 4 on the litter index include, White Oak Lane in Aynor, Dog Bluff Road in Galivants Ferry, Enterprise Road in Socastee, West Dogwood Road in Loris and Morgan Rd. in Longs.
While the fine for littering can be up to $1,000, Ives said it’s difficult to prosecute if police don’t witness or film the event.
Horry County Police issued 72 tickets for littering from July 2014- January. Ives told News 13 April will be designated as No Tolerance Month.
“The police will be out there looking for infractions and they will be writing you up,” he said.
The Keep Horry County Beautiful Committee will present its findings to Horry County Council Tuesday. To report littering call 843-381-8000.
