SCDES Supports ‘America Recycles Day’, Encourages a Sustainable Future through Responsible Recycling All Year Long
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 12, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – In celebration of America Recycles Day on Saturday, the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) thanks residents, local governments, businesses, schools, colleges, universities and other organizations for doing their part to make recycling work in South Carolina. Recycling prevents pollution and conserves natural resources while supporting significant economic impacts through jobs and industry.
America Recycles Day, which is recognized nationally on November 15 each year, aims to increase awareness of the economic and environmental benefits of recycling, inspire each of us to recycle more, and inform residents how to recycle right. SCDES is proud to support America Recycles Day, and the agency’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling provides invaluable resources to make recycling easy for South Carolinians all year long.
“America Recycles Day recognizes the essential role that recycling plays in helping secure a sustainable future – and we have much to celebrate,” said Myra Reece, SCDES director. “Recycling is a South Carolina success story. But there is always more work to be done, especially with our state being one of the fastest-growing in the nation.”
Overall, South Carolina has recycled more than 30.2 million tons of material since fiscal year 2000. That number is the equivalent to more than 4.2 million garbage trucks of waste recycled rather than disposed of at landfills – adding an estimated five years to the life expectancy of landfills statewide.
The state’s recycling infrastructure – the backbone of which is local government programs – has steadily grown. From a small beginning in 1991, South Carolina now has recycling programs in each of its 46 counties, nearly 70 curbside programs, and more than 550 drop-off locations that accept a wide array of commodities.
The state’s recycling industry – which is comprised of 300-plus companies – has an estimated $13.5 billion annual economic impact, including more than 40,000 jobs, according to a study done by the College of Charleston.
“We want recycling to be a sustainability effort that nearly anyone can take part in if they have the right information,” Reece said. “We’re asking our residents and businesses to waste less by learning about what can be recycled within your community and participate in your local recycling program.”
SCDES offers easy-to-use resources about recycling – including what, where, and how to recycle right – at des.sc.gov/recycleheresc and des.sc.gov/recyclerightsc. In addition, residents can download the free statewide Recycle Here SC mobile phone app, which is available for free on Google Play or the Apple Store.
