South Carolinians are invited to roll up their sleeves and help clean up their communities during the 2026 SC Sweep, a 10-day statewide anti-litter campaign organized by PalmettoPride.
Taking place March 21–29, the campaign coincides with the start of spring, when many residents are already spending more time outdoors. Families, schools, businesses, civic groups and individuals are encouraged to sign the PalmettoPledge and take simple steps to fight litter — whether by picking up a single piece of trash, joining a local cleanup or organizing their own.
More than 100 cleanups are expected to take place across the state during the campaign. Last year’s inaugural SC Sweep mobilized volunteers in all 46 counties. A total of 1,948 participants contributed more than 4,100 hours, collecting 163,415 pounds of litter in 4,669 bags and saving the state an estimated $144,033 in cleanup costs.
“The SC Sweep brings people together around a shared purpose,” said Sarah Lyles. “Beyond the numbers, it’s about pride in our communities and protecting the places we live, work and play.”
According to the Keep America Beautiful 2020 National Litter Study, an estimated 60 million pieces of litter line South Carolina’s roadways and waterways — roughly 12 pieces for every resident in the state.
While the SC Sweep focuses on litter removal, PalmettoPride also works year-round to prevent litter through education programs and public awareness campaigns aimed at changing behaviors and addressing the root causes of the problem.
To support community efforts, PalmettoPride provides cleanup organizers with free resources, including supplies, planning tools and safety guidance. However, organizers note that participation does not require hosting a large event — simply picking up a plastic bottle or can during a walk can make a difference.
In partnership with Keep the Midlands Beautiful, the campaign will kick off March 21 from 10 a.m. to noon with a cleanup of an illegal dumpsite near Columbia’s Denny Terrace neighborhood. Supplies will be provided, and registration is required.
To learn more, sign the pledge or find a cleanup near you, visit palmettopride.org/scsweep.
