Thursday, December 16, 2010

Citizens Asked to Recycle Christmas Trees

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department staff would like to remind all residents that they are here to help citizens make their holidays a little “greener.”

“About 25 percent more waste is generated this time of year, but much of it is recyclable and need not be destined for the landfill,” said Nancy Carter, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Community Representative. “Recyclable products have value and will generate revenue that flows back into the county. Recycling also provides jobs in addition to many environmental and health benefits.”

Christmas trees and greenery can be recycled (please remember to remove all tinsel and ornaments). North Charleston will pick them up curbside. The trees picked up curbside are transported to the Bees Ferry Landfill to be ground and composted. Residents who drop off a tree at the Bees Ferry Landfill from January 2-9 will receive a free bag of compost. 

Cardboard, all mixed paper and commingled products (plastics #1-7, glass containers and aluminum and steel cans) can also be recycled through the curbside program and at the numerous drop-site locations and convenience centers located throughout the county. The convenience centers also accept used motor oil and cooking oil, electronics, household hazardous materials, batteries, paint, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and holiday light strands. 

Residents should note changes in the schedule over the holidays. All convenience centers will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 24 except for Bees Ferry Landfill, which will close at 2 p.m., and all will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Curbside recycling schedules will not change during the holidays. 

For more information on recycling, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Police Community Panel Announces Annual Gun Buy Back Initiative

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST 

The North Charleston Community and Police Panel will hold its 3rd annual Gun Buyback Initiative in January 2011, as part of their commitment to reducing gun violence in the City of North Charleston. The gun buy-back initiative is an opportunity for people to turn in weapons to authorities with no questions asked. Residents must be 18 years or older and must follow state concealed weapons laws when transporting weapons to a buy back site. No identification will be required to participate.

The program is open only to residents of North Charleston and limited to 3 weapons per vehicle. No payments will be made to gun dealers. Only weapons in working order will receive payment.

2010 Site Locations
View Gun Buy Back Initiative in a larger map

Schedule of payment
$100 gift card for hand-guns
$50 gift card for long guns | shot guns

Last year, 127 weapons were collected (handguns, shotguns, rifles and assault weapons)

The collected weapons are processed by the police department before destruction, in accordance with the
department’s policies.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Watch the December 9, 2010 City Council Meeting

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Charleston County announces recycling pilot program in North Charleston

Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department and the City of North Charleston held a joint press conference on Wednesday, Dec. 8 at the East Montague Business District in North Charleston.

The event marks the start of Charleston County’s Commercial Recycling Pilot Program, which is designed to engage business participation and gather data on commercial recycling within strategic areas of the County. The program is expected to run for several months.


“Although the pilot program is currently free of charge to participating businesses, an analysis of the data will provide a framework for developing a comprehensive commercial recycling program in the future, as well as determine any potential collection fees,” said Nancy Carter, Charleston County Environmental Management Department’s Community Representative.

Materials that will be recycled for the pilot program are cardboard, mixed paper and commingled products (plastics #1-7, glass containers and aluminum and steel cans). All materials will be processed at the County’s recycling center located at 13 Romney Street in downtown Charleston.

The East Montague Business District represents a variety of businesses that include restaurants and bars, professional offices, financial institutions and retailers.

“Because of its variety and high level of interest in recycling, it was identified as a model area to initiate the Commercial Recycling Pilot Program,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie E. Pryor, Sr.

For more information on the Commercial Recycling Pilot Program, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit http://www.charlestoncounty.org.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

18th Annual Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic

Tips Off Great High School Basketball on December 27, 28, 29, 30

The Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic is a Lowcountry tradition that showcases dynamic boys’ high school basketball. Traditionally, local teams vie for the event’s Championship against some best national and international players.


Besides providing exciting sports action at a new venue, North Charleston High School, on December 27-30, 2010, the tournament benefits Communities In Schools of the Charleston Area, Inc. and the Rotary Club of North Charleston’s Scholarship Fund. Since the event’s inception in 1993, dozens of Division I prospects, many of whom eventually play for major college programs, have participated in the Roundball Classic.  “Lowcountry basketball fans have a chance to see future college all-stars from high schools across the country, including some of our finest local talent,” said Tom McTighe, tournament director.

 “The Rotary Club of North Charleston is excited about its fifth year to partner with Piggly Wiggly Carolina Company, a Charleston business with more than 100 stores throughout South Carolina and southeastern Georgia, and with Communities In Schools, which helps nearly 6,000 local at-risk students stay in school and graduating on time,” McTighe added.

This year’s tournament features 16 teams, including ten local or other South Carolina schools: Bishop England High School, Charleston, SC; Charleston Collegiate School, Johns Island, SC; Don Bosco Preparatory School, Ramsey, NJ; Fort Dorchester High School, North Charleston, SC; Franklin County High School, Carnesville, GA; Gainesville High School, Gainesville, FL; Goose Creek High School, Goose Creek, SC, James Island High School, Charleston, SC; Manning High School, Manning, SC; North Charleston High School, North Charleston, SC; Peachtree Ridge High School, Suwanee, GA; Pinewood Preparatory School, Summerville, SC; Robert A. Taft Information Tech High School, Cincinnati, OH; St John's College High School, Washington, DC; Wando High School, Mt Pleasant, SC; West Ashley High School, Charleston, SC.

Communities In Schools is a nonprofit drop-out prevention organization that addresses factors outside of school which directly impact classroom performance. It serves both Charleston and Berkeley counties. “Our community is confronting a dropout crisis that affects us all,” said Jane Riley, Executive Director of CIS of the Charleston Area.  “The Roundball Classic has become a highly-anticipated treat during the holiday season, and knowing the North Charleston Rotary Club’s commitment to education, we are thrilled to be part of this tournament,” she added.

The North Charleston Rotary Club will celebrate its 65th birthday as the year ends, and the Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic is one example of the club’s commitment to service. Proceeds from the tournament enable the Rotary Club to award college scholarships annually to area high school students. Other projects adopted by the club include distributing dictionaries to students in local elementary schools, raising money for national and international Rotary initiatives, and contributing to disaster relief efforts.

For more information on the Piggly Wiggly Roundball Classic, please visit the tournament website at www.RoundballClassic.com.  For information on how to provide volunteer or financial support for Communities In Schools, call (843) 740-6793 or visit www.cischarleston.org.

Monday, December 6, 2010

North Charleston Receives National Award for Sustainable Urban Revitalization project

North Charleston, SC, was chosen as one of eight cities to receive the Award for Municipal Excellence from the National League of Cities (NLC).  The city was honored Friday, December 3 at a ceremony during NLC’s annual Congress of Cities & Exposition in Denver, Colo.  North Charleston was chosen as a Silver winner in the 50,001 to 150,000 population category for the Sustainable Urban Revitalization project.

The Sustainable Urban Revitalization project in North Charleston brought together public, private and non-governmental organizations to help revitalize the city impacted by the closure of the Charleston Naval Base.  The project has rejuvenated the East Montague Business District, which includes the first LEED Platinum building in South Carolina; created the Oak Terrace Preserve, a green housing development; and several new public schools including the LEED-certified North Charleston Elementary School and Charleston County’s School for the Arts.  North Charleston’s project has benefitted the community through increased economic development projects, new sustainable neighborhoods and the restoration of historic buildings and streetscapes.


“The City of North Charleston has worked diligently to transform its urban core into a sustainable city center to increase the overall quality of life of our residents.  Over the past few years, we have seen a welcomed influx of young families, complemented by new businesses to provide an economic boost for our City,” said Mayor R. Keith Summey.  “North Charleston will continue burgeoning to become an even greater place to live, work, and play.”


As a Silver winner, North Charleston will receive an award of $1,000, which will be donated to the community non-profit of the city’s choice, the Sustainability Institute.

“We congratulate North Charleston and its Sustainable Urban Revitalization project for receiving an Award for Municipal Excellence,” said Donald J. Borut, NLC executive director.  “North Charleston’s program has improved the quality of life for all citizens by developing a creative solution to a pressing local problem.”

The Awards for Municipal Excellence recognize city programs that improve the quality of life in local communities through creative collaboration, excellence in city government and best practices in municipal policy.

Additional information regarding the awards program can be found at http://www.nlc.org/ame.aspx.

The National League of Cities is the nation’s oldest and largest organization devoted to strengthening and promoting cities as centers of opportunity, leadership and governance. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.