Charleston County, South Carolina Announces Recycling Goal

Charleston County, SC approved an initiative to boost county recycling from the current 10 percent to 40 percent of the county's total solid waste stream within the next 5 years.

Based on national comparisons, Charleston County's 10 percent recycling rate is somewhat low. California, for instance, tops out at the highest, achieving a 50 percent rate of waste recycling. Ed Skernolis, executive director of the National Recycling Coalition says the national average is roughly 33 percent. About 23 percent of the national recycling average comes from individual efforts with curb-side recycling of household waste and the other 10 percent comes from compostable yard waste.

Charleston County, South Carolina is counting on the support of individuals as well as businesses in order to reach the 40 percent recycling goal. The county is evaluating various incentive options as motivation to achieve the ambitious recycling target.

Recycling education is important here in South Carolina. Sadly, many residents are unwilling to sort through their trash. Locals complain of the difficulties they have determining which number is stamped on the bottom of their plastic containers and, worse, which numbers the recycling center accepts these days. And the recycling truck only comes through the neighborhoods once every two weeks. Habits need to change.

The county's solid waste department has not finalized their plan to achieve the 40 percent recycling goal but experts agree that it is an ambitious but attainable effort. Recycling rates are easily boosted roughly 10 percent by composting all of the yard waste that's delivered to the local landfill. This recycling serves 2 purposes, not only does it allow local landfills to last longer but it also offers county residents the opportunity to purchase compost at affordable prices. A good solution for everyone.

Charleston County, SC is listening to the resident feedback, determined to make the plan to increase county recycling successful. The county is gearing up to accept additional types of plastic for recycling; instituting plans to compost all yard debris; and planning to place recycling bins at all our large outdoor events. Recycling bins strategically placed at these events will certainly add to the county-wide recycling goal. Charleston, South Carolina is well known for regional and national annual events: The South Eastern Wildlife Exposition, The Bridge Run and Spoleto are just a few.

So if the businesses get on board, their recycling contribution could add another 10 percent to the efforts. If more households participate by filling their recycling bins and placing them on the curb the county could gain an additional 5 percent. And if more wood and concrete was recycled in the aftermath of a building demolition Charleston County would gain another 5 percent. There's our 40 percent.

Congratulations to Charleston County, South Carolina for getting serious about recycling.

Source:
Post and Courier
http://www.charleston.net/