As summer comes to an end, many leases in Charleston, South Carolina, are expiring, which often leads to an increase in discarded items on the streets and sidewalks. To address this, the city has launched its annual initiative called “Operation Move Out”, aimed at managing the surge in waste caused by college students moving in and out of apartments. The operation, running from July 31 to August 5, will ensure the streets remain clean and safe during this busy transition period.
What is “Operation Move Out”?
“Operation Move Out” is a proactive effort by the city of Charleston to tackle the trash left behind during the turnover of leases, particularly in areas populated by college students. This initiative is designed to keep the city’s roads and sidewalks clear of clutter, allowing for safer travel and parking. The program involves daily trash collection in key areas of the city and is set to run for five days, with a break on Sunday, August 3.
According to Amy Southerland, the director of livability and tourism, the operation is aimed at cleaning up the mess created during the move-out period when college students vacate off-campus apartments and new students move in.
Areas Covered and Daily Collection Schedule
The collection efforts will focus on three zones on the Charleston Peninsula, starting from Line Street and continuing through to Beaufain Street. Collection will begin each morning around 8 a.m., with city staff working in tandem with a pickup crew to clear discarded items. These areas have seen significant waste accumulation, with many items blocking streets and sidewalks, making it difficult for pedestrians to walk safely and vehicles to park and travel freely.
Southerland stressed that items left in the right of way take up valuable space that could otherwise be used for parking and safe pedestrian movement. “We want to make sure that our pedestrians can safely walk down our sidewalks without stepping into the street,” she said.
Improving the Process: Neighborhood Feedback
In neighborhoods like Radcliffeborough, where many college students live, residents have noticed improvements in the cleanup process over the years. Elizabeth Soule Brainerd, president of the Radcliffeborough Neighborhood Association, expressed appreciation for the better coordination of the effort. She mentioned that in the past, there were “mountains of trash” making the area unsightly and difficult to navigate, but now the streets are much cleaner. However, she also hoped to see more items being donated rather than thrown away, such as furniture, cooking utensils, and flower pots.
Encouraging Donations and Recycling
City officials are encouraging students and residents to donate reusable items to local organizations like Goodwill, instead of simply discarding them. Amy Southerland shared that in 2024, the city collected 81 tons of trash through this initiative, which indicates the large volume of items discarded during the move-out period.
To help with the disposal, residents are reminded of the following guidelines:
Solid waste should go into green bins.
Recycling items should be placed in blue bins.
Small personal items and clothing should be put in clear plastic bags.
Large household items and clear bags must be placed at the curb.
Electronics cannot be disposed of during this operation and should be taken to a county recycling center.
For large items, Milford Street will provide three dumpsters where people can dispose of their unwanted goods.
Potential Consequences for Improper Disposal
In addition to the collection efforts, the city has reached out to property owners to remind them of the importance of maintaining cleanliness and avoiding any potential fines. Code enforcement officers will be monitoring the area for violations, including improper dumping of garbage. Those found in violation may face warnings or fines, and in some cases, could be required to appear in livability court.
Looking Ahead: Possible Adjustments in Future Years
This year, Charleston officials have noticed that many people are moving out earlier than in previous years, which may lead to a review of how Operation Move Out is scheduled in the future. The city is closely monitoring the success of this year’s initiative and could adjust the operation’s dates or even break it up into smaller phases to make it more efficient in the coming years.
“Operation Move Out” plays a crucial role in keeping Charleston clean and safe during the busy summer months when many college students are transitioning between leases. With dedicated efforts from the city and residents alike, the initiative ensures that discarded items are properly handled, while also encouraging donations to benefit local charities. As the city continues to manage the increase in waste during this period, the success of this year’s operation could lead to future improvements in how the city handles this annual challenge.
