Bamberg, South Carolina (January 2018) – In May 2017, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced that Bamberg County was awarded $254,250 in grant funds to improve waste tire recycling in Bamberg County. These grant funds completely funded the purchase of a new roll-off truck and six 30-yard containers in addition to Convenience and Recycling site improvements such as privacy fencing and new carport covers.

Bamberg County took delivery of the new roll-off truck on January 10, 2018. The truck was ordered from Worldwide Equipment in West Columbia, SC.  “Bamberg County’s roll-off truck was old and unreliable,” stated Bill Johnson, Bamberg County Director of Operations. “DHEC’s funding covered the entire purchase of this new vehicle, which will allow for Bamberg County to recycle waste tires without the need for a private hauler. Additionally, the truck will be available for emergency situations and the county will not depend on private contractors.”

DHEC’s Waste Tire Recycling Grant Program is mandated under the SC Solid Waste Policy and Management Act of 1991. The funds are directed to be used for costs associated with the collection and recycling of waste tires including recycling site upgrades and equipment.

“Bamberg County has aging infrastructure that we are trying to replace gradually and cost-effectively,” said Joey Preston, Bamberg County Administrator. “The Solid Waste and Public Works Departments needed this equipment for their jobs. Bamberg County thanks DHEC for their support with this funding so that the employees have dependable equipment and the county can improve collection and recycling rates of waste tires.”

Bamberg County residents can recycle their waste tires at all eight Convenience and Recycling sites around the county. Residents are allowed disposal of five tires per year at no cost. The cost after five tires is $150/ton.

“Bamberg County needed new equipment; the equipment we had was old and breaking down,” said Larry Haynes, Bamberg County Councilman. “Bamberg County residents need to recognize the importance of bringing their old tires to the Recycling and Convenience sites rather than tossing them in the woods or on the side of the road. This new equipment will support those efforts.” Mr. Haynes assisted Bamberg County employees with the specifications for the new equipment because of his expertise in commercial trucking industry.

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