Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling is proud to introduce “Mossy,” the County’s new composting mascot. Mossy was created to raise awareness and engagement in the County’s growing composting program. It was developed with input from local cultural leaders, including Queen Quet, to reflect the Lowcountry’s natural beauty and heritage while encouraging residents to embrace sustainable practices.

The mascot is part of the County’s US Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded pilot program, launched to increase awareness and participation in composting across all age groups. Approved in July 2024, the program will be implemented at County Convenience Centers. Residents will have the opportunity to discard food waste to be converted into compost.  Over the coming months, these centers will be retrofitted with compost receptacle units, expected to be fully operational by November 2025.

The primary goals of the USDA pilot program are to:

• Remove organic waste from recycling and direct it toward creating compost for public facilities and community distribution,
• Establish food waste diversion opportunities at County Convenience Centers,
• Provide age-appropriate compost education to residents, and
• Guide the program through a comprehensive Green Business Plan.

To make the education portion more relatable and memorable, Mossy will serve as a gentle, poetic, and wise Gullah storyteller—teaching students and residents what composting is, why it matters, and sharing the message through riddles, stories, and folklore-inspired songs.

So far, through grant funding, Beaufort County has:

• Purchased an in-vessel composting unit,
• Developed outreach materials and composting mascot,
• Purchased a mulcher to support composting operations,
• Scheduled outreach talks for the upcoming program, 
• Designed updated signage for convenience centers, and
• Procured storage sheds for food waste receptacles.

Looking ahead, the County will ramp up training for food waste diversion and launch online resources for residents to access composting education and updates. Food waste drop-off sites are expected to open in late 2025, with the finished compost product made available to the community. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the County website and mailing notices for details on training opportunities, drop-off information, and program milestones.

With Mossy leading the way, Beaufort County looks forward to expanding its compost pilot program while continuing to invest in education, outreach, and innovative tools that support a cleaner, greener community.

"We’re excited to introduce in-vessel composting—the first process of its kind operated by a government entity in South Carolina. It reflects Beaufort County’s commitment to forward-thinking solutions that turn waste into opportunity," said Victoria Hoffman, Solid Waste & Recycling Program Manager

About Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling
Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling is committed to protecting the Lowcountry environment by providing efficient waste management services, advancing recycling programs, and fostering community engagement through education and outreach. Visit their website for more information.

The program was presented at a recent Public Facilities meeting, which can be viewed here. 

For more information, contact Victoria Hoffman, County Solid Waste and Recycling Program Manager at victoria.hoffman@bcgov.net or 843-255-2736.