PalmettoPride Launches 10-Day Statewide Cleanup Campaign

The 2026 SC Sweep aims to mobilize volunteers across South Carolina to pick up litter and beautify communities.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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PalmettoPride, a South Carolina-based nonprofit, is launching its 2026 SC Sweep campaign on March 21. The 10-day statewide effort invites residents, schools, businesses, and civic groups to participate in litter cleanups across the state. Organizers hope to capitalize on the warmer spring weather to encourage people to get outside and pick up even just one piece of litter in their communities.

Why it matters

Litter is a persistent problem in South Carolina, with an estimated 60 million pieces of litter lining the state's roadways and waterways. The SC Sweep campaign aims to address this issue by mobilizing volunteers to make a visible difference in their local communities, fostering a sense of pride and connection.

The details

The SC Sweep campaign will run from March 21 to March 31, 2026. Organizers are encouraging groups and individuals to join a local cleanup event or organize their own. PalmettoPride will provide free resources, including supplies, planning tools, and safety guidance, to help maximize the community impact. Participants are also asked to report their involvement so the campaign can continue to grow.

  • The 2026 SC Sweep campaign will launch on March 21, 2026.
  • The campaign will run for 10 days, ending on March 31, 2026.

The players

PalmettoPride

A South Carolina-based nonprofit organization that focuses on litter prevention and community beautification efforts.

Sarah Lyles

The executive director of PalmettoPride.

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What they’re saying

“The SC Sweep brings people together around a shared purpose. Beyond the numbers, it's about pride in our communities and protecting the places we live, work and play. When people see a cleaner neighborhood, they feel more connected to it and to each other.”

— Sarah Lyles, Executive Director, PalmettoPride (abcnews4.com)

What’s next

Organizers are encouraging South Carolina residents, schools, businesses, and civic groups to sign up and participate in the 2026 SC Sweep campaign. PalmettoPride will provide the necessary resources and support to help make the event a success.

The takeaway

The 2026 SC Sweep campaign is a collaborative effort to address the persistent litter problem in South Carolina. By mobilizing volunteers across the state to pick up even just one piece of litter, the campaign aims to foster a sense of community pride and connection, while also making a visible impact on the environment.