PalmettoPride, the state anti–litter and beautification organization, announced December 21 its 2009 – 2010 Enforcement Grant recipients.

Enforcement officers around the state received grants funds to purchase cameras and other equipment to assist in illegal dumping and litter investigations. In Richland County, the Columbia College Police Department received $2,365.

Littering is illegal in South Carolina, and enforcement of state and local litter laws is an important part of the process of changing behavior that causes litter. For many officers, proper identification of the litterer and proper documentation of the offense is crucial to successfully prosecute litter cases.

Litter has long been considered an eye–sore, but the knowledge that it is far more serious is catching on. Litter is a crime that poses safety threats to neighborhood and community quality of life. It is a safety hazard to drivers and pedestrians. It harms economic development. Litter in our forests, parks, and waterways harms ecosystems and wildlife habitats.

PalmettoPride coordinates the Enforcement Grant annually to support their partners in enforcement. Along with education, awareness and pickup, enforcement is a major program area for the statewide non–profit.

The South Carolina Litter Control Association works in conjunction with PalmettoPride to further enhance litter control enforcement programs across the state.

For more information on PalmettoPride’s Enforcement Grant or other programs, please visit www.palmettopride. org.