Bamberg, South Carolina (February 2019) – On February 21, 2019, the South Carolina Litter Control Association recognized Bamberg County Director of Operations Bill Johnson with the Lower Region Individual Leadership Award during the SCLCA’s annual conference in Myrtle Beach. The award recognizes outstanding leadership to the cause of litter awareness, enforcement, and pickup programs in South Carolina.
Johnson began work with Bamberg County in 2004. He was charged with starting a Litter Control department in 2015. Johnson supervises one full-time litter control officer and works litter cases in addition to his other county responsibilities. Nominated by Farrell Pulaski, Bamberg County Litter Enforcement Officer, Johnson’s nomination stated, “Bill is constantly looking for ways to get an edge on suspects who violate county and state litter laws. He has built a great relationship with other law enforcement agencies in the county. He works many hours, day and night, and comes into work in unfavorable conditions without complaint.”
“Bill Johnson’s has been a tremendous asset to enforcing the county and state litter laws,” stated Joey Preston, Bamberg County Administrator. “When Bamberg County Council recognized the need to address litter issues, Bill was eager to contribute and wasted no time in getting the department started. He consulted with other counties with successful litter enforcement departments to create an effective model for Bamberg County. He has also maximized the use of grant funds to purchase equipment needed for litter control.”
As a Bamberg County’s Litter Enforcement officer, Johnson enforces the county's litter control ordinance through public awareness, investigation, and corrective action. “While there is always work to do in the fight against litter, I am proud of the progress Bamberg County has made over the past four years to improve litter enforcement,” said Johnson. “In 2018, the litter control department wrote 98 tickets and warnings. Each year, the number of tickets and warnings issued has increased. Litter negatively impacts the county in multiple ways from economic development to public safety. We appreciate the public notifying us when they see a litter or dumping issue so that it can be investigated and cleaned up as soon as possible.”
To report litter in Bamberg County, call the Litter Hotline at 803-245-7959 or send an email, with pictures if possible, to litterenforcement@bambergcounty.sc.gov. Statewide litter reports can be made to PalmettoPride at 877-7LITTER (754-8837).
The South Carolina Litter Control Association promotes litter enforcement, protects the environment, and helps to increase public awareness of the problems associated with litter. Additional information about the SCLCA and their work can be found on their website at www.sclittercontrol.org