Spring is upon us and in West Columbia, that means it’s time to get out and pick up litter. The city has a long history of its citizens working to make it look better.  West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles explained it at the regular meeting of the West Columbia city Council meeting April 6.

“We will host the annual Citywide Litter Pick-Up Day on Saturday, May 2. From 9 a.m. until noon, beginning at City Hall,” Miles said. “If you can, please come out to participate in the litter pick-up. In years past we have gotten so much litter picked up. It really helps make West Columbia look better. With good participation, we can really make a dent in the litter. And if we do that year after year it really makes a big difference. Pass the word around to everyone else who is willing to come out. Let them know about it. And please come out and help as well. It’s not hard work, it doesn’t take too long. It’s a good opportunity to see your friends and neighbors and a good opportunity to improve your community.

The City of West Columbia is looking for the ultimate cleanup crews. Whether it’s your church group, coworkers, athletic team, or just a group of friends, show up for WeCo. Join the city Saturday, May 2, as we work together to be part of the solution, not the pollution.

Meet at City Hall at 9 a.m. The first 150 volunteers get a reusable shopping bag! Grab your team and sign up in advance so we can prep your designated area.

Click here to get to the sign up page

Connie Vaughn, a member of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation has signed up as a volunteer for every Citywide Litter Pick-Up Days.

“I encourage all my neighbors to sign up to clean up on May 2. It always gives me a great feeling when I see all the trash we pick up and get off our streets. You feel good for cleaning up West West Columbia.”

The Citywide Litter Pick-Up started years ago. In September of 2019, City of West Columbia sanitation crews picked up 4,500 lbs of garbage under the I-26-US 1 overpass, in one day.

Shortly after that litter pick-up by the sanitation department, the City of West Columbia moved to create

Miles, who was Mayor Pro-Tem of West Columbia at the time, said the city would become more proactive to combat litter.

“We started the “Take Pride In The West Side campaign. Part of it is an initiative to address some of the littering and the debris problems we’ve had over the years,” said Miles. “We want our city to be clean and look nice.”

West Columbia’s Litter Pick-Up Day was then established. It features volunteers coming together from church groups, scout troops, businesses, elementary schools, the retired community, and residents from all walks of life. City of West Columbia council members Miles also participate. The volunteers pick up countless bags of litter from the streets of West Columbia as a part of a City-Wide Litter Pick Up.

So if you are looking for a community service project, be sure to sign up for the West Columbia Citywide Litter Pick-Up.