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Keep McIntosh Beautiful
"Working Together
for a Clean, Green and
Beautiful McIntosh County"
June 2025 Newsletter
| | | | You are receiving this newsletter as a KMB member, friend, volunteer or supporter to stay updated on KMB news, events, and volunteer opportunities. THANK YOU! | | Photography by Kenny Nobles | | |
The Numbers Are In!
Our Annual Spring KMB Community Recycling Event on May 17 was a SMASH hit — thanks to YOU! Held in the Episcopal Parking Lot behind the Middle School.
Together, we kept over 6 TONS of junk out of our ditches, driveways, and landfill!
SA Recycling:
4,540 lbs (2.27 tons)
Old appliances, scrap metal, grills & more!
Sensible Recycling:
2,311 lbs (1.15 tons)
Electronics, batteries, ink cartridges & small appliances!
Waste Management:
6,000 lbs (3 tons)
Mattresses, box springs & broken furniture!
That’s 12,851 pounds of cleaner, greener McIntosh!
Huge thanks to our amazing community for showing up, dropping off, and doing the right thing. Whether it was for recycling or a respectful farewell to your stuff — you made a difference!
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We’re excited to share our upcoming events and activities for the next fiscal year! From cleanups and recycling drives to beautification projects and community outreach, there’s something for everyone who wants to help keep McIntosh County clean, green, and beautiful.
This is just our basic calendar — expect more exciting additions as the year unfolds! Be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM for the most up-to-date info!
Get involved. Stay connected. Make a difference.
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In The Darien News…
Our current landfill is nearly at capacity. For the past few years, our trash has been hauled elsewhere. Once our new landfill is up and running, the operator will begin mining the old landfill - the last unlined landfill in the state. Materials will be separated using a trommel. Dirt will be reclaimed and reused on site. Remaining waste will be moved to the new lined Subtitle D landfill.
CORRECTION LAST PARAGRAPH!
Tire Amnesty Days are coming back! Commissioner Lotson asked KMB when we would partner with the County again to pursue grants for future Tire Amnesty Days. KMB's Tracy explained that since the County must initially cover the costs, we wanted to be sure they had been reimbursed from the previous event before proceeding. County Manager Patrick confirmed that YES reimbursement has been received - giving us the green light to move forward with the County and EPD to apply for the necessary grants to schedule upcoming Tire Amnesty Days.
Let’s recycle smarter, reduce waste, and keep McIntosh beautiful for generations to come!
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Ever wonder where your trash really goes after it leaves your curb? We did too.
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KMB Board Member Julie Sowell and KMB Executive Director Tracy Sanford, had the eye-opening opportunity to tour the Waste Management Transfer Station in Brunswick. We met with the entire team—including Mindy Miller, their Community Relations Manager who traveled from South Carolina—to follow the exact path our local trash and recycling take after pickup.
Here’s what we learned:
1. Curbside trash and recycling ARE picked up and taken to the same place. Both go to the Brunswick transfer station. From there…
2. Trash is transferred to large trucks and sent to the Superior Landfill in Chatham County—a Waste Management-owned landfill.
3. Recycling is transported to Pratt Industries in Savannah, where it’s sorted. They are able to get most of the “wish”cycling items removed. But here’s the catch: We saw first-hand what gets tossed in with recyclables—wine bottles, Styrofoam, even a deer target head. When there's TOO much contamination that Pratt can’t separate it all, that entire load is rejected and sent to the landfill. Even worse—Waste Management gets backcharged for it.
The biggest NOS we saw in the recycling piles today were:
(1) GLASS. We DO NOT recycle glass in McIntosh County. Do NOT put glass in your yellow top recycle bins. There are other options.
See https://keepmcintoshbeautiful.com/glass-recycling-help/
And (2) we saw lots of recyclables placed first in PLASTIC BAGS then put in the yellow top recycle bins. Recyclables should be placed in the bins loose. NO PLASTIC BAGS. You can take those plastic bags to Coastal Market or Piggly Wiggly where the Lions Club has containers out front. They collect the bags and have community park benches made from them!
They want to get this right, just like we do!
Because it starts with us—right at the curb.
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The KMB ABANDONED BUILDING REMOVAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM at work in MCINTOSH COUNTY!
https://keepmcintoshbeautiful.com/abandoned-building/
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WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE RIGHT HERE IN MCINTOSH?
VOLUNTEER!
Volunteers are the heart and soul of community engagement, bringing energy, skills, and passion to causes that matter. Let’s come together and make a difference! A clean, thriving community needs its people to get involved. By actively volunteering, we can build a stronger community and keep making McIntosh County a place we can all be proud of.
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Safe Disposal Tips for Household Cleaners in McIntosh County
Got leftover cleaners sitting under your sink with nowhere to take them? You're not alone—and you're right to ask! While McIntosh County doesn’t currently have a hazardous waste drop-off location, the EPA provides safe guidelines for disposing of small amounts of household cleaners right at home
Here’s what you need to know:
Water-Based Cleaners
Examples: All-purpose sprays, window cleaner, mild detergents
If the label says non-toxic or biodegradable, you can dilute them with lots of running water and pour them down the drain. Easy and safe!
Chemical-Based Cleaners
Examples: Bleach, ammonia, oven cleaner, drain opener
Treat these like leftover paint:
1) Mix with kitty litter, sawdust, or shredded newspaper to solidify.
2) Seal in a sturdy bag.
3) Toss in your regular trash bin.
This method prevents hazardous liquids from leaking into landfills and polluting our soil and waterways.
IMPORTANT Cautions:
Never mix cleaners—especially bleach and ammonia—this creates toxic gas!
Only dispose of small amounts at a time.
Always seal the waste before tossing it out.
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“I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a BIG difference...”
Fun, simple introduction to environmental protection and conservation. Easy ways we can work together to make the Earth feel good—from planting a tree and using both sides of the paper, to saving energy and reusing old things in new ways.
Activity:
Kids make their own Nature Hero "binoculars" using toilet paper rolls, string, and stickers. Then go on a mini Library Yard Nature Hunt to spot flowers, bugs, birds, or litter they can help pick up.
- With his colorful illustrations, playful humor, and inclusive storytelling, beloved author Todd Parr has long been a favorite among young readers and caregivers. His books promote an essential message of love and acceptance that is inspiring, empowering, and accessible.
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KMB had the absolute joy of spending time with 40 bright, curious, and kind little HeadStart Earth helpers—our 3- and 4-year-olds were ready to save the planet one recycled bottle at a time!
We learned how to help turtles, keep our air clean, and protect our Earth through stories, big gestures, and lots of love They clapped, stomped, roared like animals, and even gave the Earth a great big hug!
Thank you, Cari and to the sweet teachers and staff who welcomed us. Everyone got some KMB goodies to take home and use! And big thanks to McIntosh County Family Connection for the activity books & crayons!
These little ones filled our hearts with hope! Pledge: "I will help the Earth by picking up trash, saving water, and loving trees!"
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Head Start students at Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority are learning the importance of recycling by matching items with the correct bins—because it’s never too early to teach environmental responsibility.
Hands-on learning today, brighter world tomorrow!
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Vehicle Donation Program helps owners AND Keep McIntosh Beautiful!
The Keep America Beautiful Vehicle Donation Program, through Insurance Auto Auctions’ Donation Division, provides an opportunity for individuals to get rid of unwanted vehicles and donate to Keep McIntosh Beautiful simultaneously.
The new program is tax-deductible to dispose of vehicles in almost any condition, including cars, trucks, boats, tractors, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, RVs, construction, farms, and other heavy equipment. KMB receives a share of the funds from cars donated from McIntosh County.
For ALL the details and to start YOUR donation:
https://careasy.org/nonprofit/keep-america-beautiful
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What a Day! KMB’s Spring Recycle Event MAY 17 Was a Hit!
Trucks started rolling in as early as 7:30 AM, and by 1 PM we had 78 vehicles (most with trailers!) roll through, loaded with items ready for a second life—or a proper goodbye.
Thank you to our year-round Partners who we proudly display on a big banner at every KMB event! We couldn’t do what we do without your support!
HUGE thanks to the Episcopal Church for hosting us in their parking lot and helping spread the word. And to our incredible board member, Father Mike Gumulauskas—you rock!
We were joined by the awesome crew from Sensible Recycling out of Jacksonville, who filled their truck with old TVs, computers, printers, vacuums, ink cartridges—you name it.
Waste Management donated a 30-yard dumpster for mattresses, box springs, beat-up furniture… even two toilets and a kitchen sink!
SA Metals provided a giant roll-off that the community packed full of broken grills, fence posts, patio furniture, and appliances.
There were even a few feel-good surprises:
* A wheelchair in great condition was rerouted to the Episcopal Thrift Shop by board member Julie Sowell.
* A beautiful bathroom vanity and mirror was saved from the dumpster—President Lisa Brewer is giving it new life for our February Silent Auction!
Shout-outs to volunteers: Lisa, George, Haze, Barbara, Mr. Al & Rose Ferguson (cool folks), Cassandra, Ronald, Tyrone, and Jared—you braved the heat and made it happen!
We also collected 32 CFL bulbs and 27 4-foot fluorescent tubes (heading to Savannah for proper recycling)
| | In The Darien News... TIME TO CLEAN OUT FOR FREE - Amnesty Day at County Landfill AND Keep McIntosh Beautiful Community Spring Recycling Event! | | Our limited-edition KMB HATS are here! Only $10 and going fast. Show your support in style! Ask any board member or contact Tracy at 912.289.1083 to grab yours before they’re gone! | | |
Mrs. Fletcher’s Environmental Class at McIntosh County Academy - MCA brought the energy and the eco-smarts when Keep McIntosh Beautiful visited to lead “Trash Talk & the Power of One: Sustainability Starts With You.”
These students were fun, creative thinkers who showed that small actions really do add up. From imagining what Earth would text us (spoiler: it’s watching!) to racing to sort recyclables, compostables, and landfill items during our Recycling Relay, these bright minds didn’t just learn — they led.
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We dove into surprising facts (did you know a single plastic bottle can take 450 years to break down? styrofoam never), busted recycling myths, and challenged everyone to find simple ways to be more sustainable at home, at school, and on the go. And let’s just say… their group ideas were seriously impressive!
Their big recycling contest wrapped up that day, and wow — the piles of plastic bottles (and more!) they've collected are proof these kids are serious about making a difference. Hosted a pizza party a week later to celebrate all their hard work and environmental leadership!
Special thanks to Mrs. Fletcher for inspiring these future changemakers. The future of McIntosh County — and our planet — looks a lot greener thanks to young leaders like them.
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Row, brunch, nap, repeat!
Keep McIntosh Beautiful Board Member Jameshia Wilson finally cashed in on her Silent Auction win from our February Oyster Roast & BBQ Friends & Funds Raiser — a rowing lesson with local legend Cheryl Evans Shedd!
With sunshine overhead and calm waters below, Jameshia took to the Heritage 15 rowing boat like a natural. Cheryl beamed, saying, “I know there’s not another person in McIntosh County who would have enjoyed it more or picked it up as quickly.”
After their time on the water, the two shared a well-earned brunch — and Jameshia confessed that despite being in great shape, she had “never worked out every single part of her body like that!” A nap was definitely in order.
And get this — Cheryl even passed along a piece of history: a medal from the 1997 Georgia Games Rowing Regatta she competed in. What a keepsake!
Did YOU win a Silent Auction item this year? Don’t let it collect dust — USE IT! You never know what memories you’ll make.
*Special thanks to Cheryl Shedd — a KMB member and former board member — and her husband, Alan, CEO of Integrated Energy Systems, a proud KMB PARTNER. We’re so grateful for their continued support of Keep McIntosh Beautiful and our community.
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Huge THANK YOU to Todd Grant Elementary School Principal Mr. Mitchell, UGA Extension/4-H McIntosh County’s Lauryn Gilmer, and Super Volunteer Kelly Brewer for making this project one to remember! And an extra big shoutout to Dr. Megan Smith and her amazing 3rd grade class for creating the coolest little Pollinator Garden—right outside the library door in a green corridor that’s now buzzing with potential!
We talked all about pollinators—bees, butterflies, bats… and yes, even sweet little hummingbirds! Miss Lauryn’s fun explanation of the Queen Bee (Dr. Smith representing) and her hardworking team (nurse bees, cleaning and construction bees, foragers and more!) had everyone smiling and curious.
The class received their own gardener bag (with tools and a watering can!) and each student a KMB reusable bag to remind us all: reduce, reuse, recycle!
We’ll be checking back throughout the summer and beyond to see how their garden is growing. The kids have big plans—pollinator watching, reading under the shade tree, and maybe even a little plant-serenading. (Yes, really.)
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Blessing of the Fleet Cleanup – What a Weekend!
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped KMB with this year’s Blessing of the Fleet After-Hours Cleanup! From Friday night through Sunday evening, volunteers hit the streets, waterfront, and festival grounds—ready to tackle litter. But the best surprise? There wasn’t much trash to be found! That’s a major win for our community and a testament to the pride people took in celebrating responsibly.
We’re proud of everyone who picked up as they partied, and we’re especially grateful to the incredible crews who showed up with gloves and great attitudes: Kelly & Rick, Lisa & Mike, Selso & Bubba Skeen (our Energizer Bunny⚡️), Christy & Kingston, Patty & Suzanne, Bella & Braelyn, Josh, Matt, Cody, Mia, Cassandra, Julie, Braxton, ShyLah, James, Adalyn, Seanacy, Dave & Micah, sisters Ann & Carol—and the awesome fellas from the St. Michael’s Coastal Georgia Chapter of the Legione Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club!
A special shoutout to the “Come Together Day” Committee, who cleaned up outside the gates near MLK and Hey Cuz Restaurant. They made sure not a single scrap was left behind—and had fun doing it!
From perfect weather and fireworks to full trash bags and full hearts, it was a weekend to remember. McIntosh County showed what it means to take pride in our place. THANK YOU to everyone who pitched in to keep our little slice of paradise beautiful. Until next year, y’all!
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A BIG THANKS TO ALL OF OUR ADOPT-A HIGHWAY, PARK OR SPOT VOLUNTEERS THROUGHOUT MCINTOSH COUNTY! Please send me pictures of your pickups. You'll inspire others! There are still plenty of miles and places needing some TLC. Please consider making this a way you help keep our community clean, green and beautiful!
INFO AND APPLICATIONS ONLINE!
OR CALL TRACY 912-289-1083
| | The Darien Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and Keep McIntosh Beautiful (KMB) teamed up to promote sustainability across Mcintosh County by supplying local restaurants with eco-friendly cups and straws—replacing traditional Styrofoam and plastic-during the Darien Earth-Inspired Bar Crawl, coordinated by Partners for a Sustainable McIntosh. Looking ahead, the DDA and KMB will continue promoting eco-friendly practices during the upcoming Lions Club waterfront concerts by providing eco-friendly takeout containers and bags (no Styrofoam or plastic) to area restaurants. Thank you to The Darien News for sharing the results of the Bar Crawl created with The Oaks Club and Cedar Bar, Tabby House Brewing Company, Waterfront Wine & Gourmet, Skipper’s Fish Camp and Rivers Edge Bar & Grill, Thank you to the participants and to the community that enjoyed and shared their suggestions for a more sustainable McIntosh and Darien GA. | |
ABANDONED BUILDING PROGRAM
Looking for a way to remove an abandoned building or mobile home from your property? Keep McIntosh Beautiful may be able to help.
Dilapidated and abandoned buildings are eyesores that detract from our community’s appearance and reduce the value of the property where they are located. They can also be unsafe and unhealthy nuisances that are locations for criminal activity.
To address the problem in McIntosh County, KMB offers financial assistance to OWNERS for the demolition and removal of abandoned buildings from THEIR property. We salvage and recycle what can safely be removed.
STRUCTURES MUST BE LOCATED IN MCINTOSH COUNTY, UNOCCUPIED, AND BEYOND REPAIR TO QUALIFY.
Thank you to the many dedicated partners that help with this program. You are appreciated!
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| | What a powerful few days in Young Harris GA! KMB Executive Director Tracy attended the 2025 Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation Conference & Environmental Excellence Awards and came back inspired and full of fresh ideas. From reconnecting with fellow affiliate leaders and diving into sessions on board development, funding, partnerships, and volunteer engagement, to soaking up wisdom from Keep America Beautiful’s supportive staff—this event was packed with learning, laughter, and environmental passion. Stay tuned as we bring new tools and energy home to McIntosh! | | | | |
