Solid Waste and Recycling

Keeping Hilton Head Island Clean and Green

At the Town of Hilton Head Island, sustainability is more than a goal — it's our way of life. Every effort to reduce waste, recycle correctly, and conserve resources contributes to protecting our natural environment for future generations. Whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, you play a vital role in helping us keep our Island clean, green, and beautiful.

Waste and Recycling in Public Spaces

The Town provides waste and recycling services across public spaces, including our parks and beaches. We are proud to partner with a professional recycling service to ensure collected materials are recycled responsibly.

What You Can Recycle at Our Parks and Beaches

We currently accept bottles and cans only in our public recycling bins. Recyclable items include:

• Plastics - Bottles, jugs, and jars labeled with recycling codes #1 or #2. Look for the recycle symbol on the bottle with a number 1 or 2 in the middle.
• Glass - Bottles and jars of any color
• Metal - Aluminum, tin, and steel food and beverage cans

Please follow these simple rules to reduce contamination:

• Ensure containers are empty before placing them in the recycling bins.
• Do not place plastic bags in recycling bins.

Pro Tip: Avoid wish cycling — putting items in recycling bins in hopes they're recyclable. When in doubt, leave it out!

Advancing Sustainability: Bigbelly Recycling and Solar Compacting Trash Units

As part of our continued commitment to sustainability, the Town has expanded public recycling opportunities in our parks by installing new recycling receptacles and improving collection efficiencies of waste through solar-powered compacting trash units. These combination units for trash and recycling:

• Increase capacity for waste and recyclables.
• Reduce the frequency of waste collection.
• Lower vehicle emissions through fewer service trips.
• Operate entirely on solar power - no external electricity required.

Why Litter Control Matters

Litter can harm wildlife, pollute waterways and detract from the Island's natural beauty and visitors' experience. Proper disposal of waste helps protect our beaches, preserve our parks, and maintain the pristine image our community takes pride in.

Report Litter: Help Us Keep the Island Clean

If you spot litter or overflowing bins, let us know! Download and use our MyHHI app to report issues quickly and easily. Every report helps us respond faster and keep our public spaces clean.

Thank you for recycling.