SCDES monitors ozone levels each year from March 1 through Oct. 31. Monitors help us understand the actual amount of ozone occurring at a particular location as well as the distribution of ozone concentrations across the state.

Earth Day may be April 22, but for SCDES, every day is Earth Day! We urge residents to recognize and celebrate how invaluable South Carolina’s natural environment is to those who live, work and play in the Palmetto State. SCDES employees work every day to protect the state’s air, land, water, and coastal resources for the benefit of all, and residents can help support those efforts.

WaterSC, led by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), works across state agencies and with key stakeholders to develop a state water plan that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests to ensure the long-term protection of the state’s water resources as demand increases from record-breaking economic development and population growth.

Where and what can you recycle in your community? For these answers and more, select your county of residence below. For the most updated information, visit the county's webpage and follow the county's social media accounts. Download the free Recycle Here SC mobile app to have the information below directly at your fingertips. Click here to learn more and download the app.

Learn more about open burning. Is it legal? What can I burn? How does it effect the environment? How do I report illegal open burning?

SCDES is dedicated to helping people live healthy lives in healthy communities. With more than 3,800 employees in 100 offices across the state, SCDES has a diverse team of employees who are leaders in their fields and share a passion for making a difference.