Dr. Karen Bell
Keep Liberty Beautiful
America Recycles Day may fall on November 15, but here in Liberty County, we celebrate the importance of recycling through the holidays and during our tree recycling collection in January.
There is still plenty of time for residents, students, and organizations to get involved, learn something new, and take steps to make a positive environmental impact.
One great way to start is by taking the pledge to recycle more through Keep America Beautiful.
You can take the pledge and complete a quick Recycling Reality Check quiz on our website at www.keeplibertybeautiful. org.
Throughout November, Keep Liberty Beautiful has been excited to share recycling education with local schools, organizations, and businesses across Liberty County.
We were honored to provide America Recycles Day presentations and materials to all Liberty County and Long County Schools, the Hinesville Rotary Club, Connection Church, DAV Chapter No. 46, Morning Glory Garden Club, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Think Big After School Program. We also visited Bradwell Institute and Liberty County High School during their lunch hours to provide interactive recycling displays and giveaways, encouraging ongoing community involvement. It is inspiring to see our young people and community partners so eager to learn how to make a difference.
Recycling is something everyone can do, and together we can create a cleaner and healthier Liberty County. Students and KLB Board Members presenting the information were enthusiastic about learning how recycling affects their community and the environment.
“I didn’t know there were so many different kinds of plastics and that some can’t be recycled here,” shared Patricia Nash, a board member of Keep Liberty Beautiful.
“Now I’m going to check the numbers and help my family recycle correctly.”
“I really enjoyed learning about what goes in the recycling bin,” said Mea Wilson, a board member of Keep Liberty Beautiful. “It’s cool to know that what we throw away can be turned into something new.”
Community groups also appreciated the presentations.
“Our members were excited to learn more about recycling right, and we’re proud to support programs that protect our environment,” said Judy Shippey, the president of the Morning Glory Garden Club.
KLB extends its sincere thanks to every student, educator, volunteer, and partner who helped make this month meaningful.
During our visits, a common question we heard was, “What can actually be recycled?”
Recycling can feel confusing, but resources are available to help.
Plastic: Most plastic containers have a recycling triangle with a number inside. This number identifies the type of plastic, and not all types are accepted everywhere.
Always check with your local municipality.
Paper: Most paper products can be recycled when properly prepared:
• Clean – no food or grease
• Pure – no wax or plastic coating
• Flat – break down boxes Glass: Nearly all glass packaging is recyclable once rinsed clean.
Recycling is also about reusing things, and not everything goes into a bin. Items like shoes, Christmas trees, and clothing can be kept out of landfills and repurposed to support people in need.
This holiday season, Keep Liberty Beautiful asks that you donate your shoes, clothes, and Christmas Trees at our next Recycling It! Fair in Hinesville on January 3, 2026. Our goal this year is to keep 1,000 pairs of shoes, 400 Christmas Trees, and 300 bags of clothing out of the landfill, demonstrating how community donations can make a real environmental difference.
The Recycle It! Fairs are a wonderful way to support missions during the holiday season while also keeping reusable items out of landfills.
Small acts of kindness truly add up.”
Donate by calling (912) 880-4888, emailing klcb@libertycountyga. gov, or bringing items to Bring One for the Chipper / Recycle It! Fair, on January 3, 2026.
There is still time to participate in a Rivers Alive Cleanup through the end of December.
Groups and individuals are welcome, and official Rivers Alive T-shirts are available while supplies last. Sign up on Facebook or at www.keeplibertybeautiful. org.
“It’s amazing to see so many people working together to protect our rivers and waterways,” said Amanda Jeffers and Ashley Roberts, staff of Keep Liberty Beautiful.
“Every piece of trash removed makes a difference.”
Rivers Alive is a statewide initiative focused on preserving and protecting Georgia’s waterways and is part of The Ocean Conservancy’s international efforts.
For more information or to get involved with Keep Liberty Beautiful, call (912) 880-4888, email klcb@libertycountyga. gov, or visit our website.
Together, we can protect our environment, strengthen our community, and Keep Liberty Beautiful — today and every day.