July 19, 2025

Charleston County Initiates Search for New Landfill Site

News Summary

Charleston County officials are actively searching for land to establish a new landfill as the Bees Ferry Landfill approaches capacity. With waste processing rates of 800 to 1,300 tons daily, only 15 years of operational capacity remain. The county hired Smith Gardner Inc. to assist in finding suitable land while considering options to extend the current landfill’s life. Community resistance and the increasing population density complicate the search, leading to discussions on sustainable waste management practices.

Charleston County Initiates Search for New Landfill Site Amidst Capacity Concerns

Charleston County officials have commenced searching for land to establish a new landfill, as the Bees Ferry Landfill nears its capacity limit. The current landfill processes between 800 and 1,300 tons of waste daily, amounting to approximately 200,000 tons each year, and only has about 15 years of capacity left.

On July 17, 2025, Charleston County Council made the decision to hire Smith Gardner Inc. to aid in the quest for new landfill land and conduct necessary environmental testing. Although building a new landfill could take up to a decade, the county is also pursuing options to extend the life of the Bees Ferry Landfill by constructing its last two operational cells. In addition, the county can apply for permits that would allow for vertical expansion, potentially adding another 8 to 15 years of operational capacity.

If a new landfill is not found, Charleston County may face the costly and environmentally challenging prospect of transporting waste to neighboring counties or even out of state. This would significantly increase transportation costs and worsen the carbon footprint associated with waste management.

Ideal Location Criteria

For a new landfill, officials are seeking locations that fulfill specific criteria. Ideal sites must be situated in rural areas, cover at least 200 acres, and be sufficiently distanced from schools, hospitals, and airports to minimize impact on community health and safety. The increasing population density within Charleston County complicates the search for suitable land, as it reduces the amount of undeveloped land available for such projects.

Community Resistance and Sustainable Solutions

Community feedback reflects a general reluctance among residents to live near landfill sites, largely due to concerns over possible odors and environmental impacts. This has prompted discussions regarding sustainable waste management practices, including enhancing recycling efforts and establishing additional composting facilities to effectively reduce landfill use.

As Charleston County’s director of environmental management has indicated, the need for a new landfill persists until the region achieves full recycling capabilities. However, some experts, including those from local academic institutions, have suggested that merely constructing new landfills does not resolve the underlying issues of overconsumption and inefficient waste disposal practices.

Future Considerations

Officials are also exploring the potential for a Tri-County landfill, which would involve collaboration with neighboring counties. Nonetheless, the preference remains firmly set on Charleston maintaining its own landfill facility to manage local waste efficiently.

The current Bees Ferry Landfill, established in the 1970s, has only two cells remaining, underscoring the urgent need for Charleston County to identify a new landfill site before the existing facility reaches full capacity. The proactive measures being taken now reflect the county’s commitment to ensuring effective waste management and environmental responsibility as its population continues to grow.

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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

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