A Note from Jane

Recycle

Local News

• Lexington County will begin accepting CLEAN, DRY, STRETCHY plastic bags, wrap and film for recycling at all 11 Collection and Recycling Centers. This material can be recycled into composite decking and furniture consisting of 95% recycled content while preventing litter, saving landfill space, energy and money - and creating jobs in South Carolina. Citizens should continue to discard plastic bags, wrap, or films that crinkle, tear easily, are wet or contain food. Contact: Laura Anne Hunt for more information!
   
• Richland County will be applying “Recycle Right” stickers (see below) to the lids of household recycling roll carts this month.
  
  Also, due to staffing shortages Richland County residents may see a delay in curbside pickups. Details here.

• South Carolina Recycling Report
  A recent report shows that manufacturing supports, directly or indirectly, more than 30% of jobs statewide predominantly in the aerospace, automotive, and tire sectors making manufacturing the leading industry in the state. 
  
  The Recycling Market Development staff at the South Carolina Department of Commerce points out that the Palmetto State is also home to over 300 recycling companies including collectors, processors, recycled product manufacturers, and equipment makers. The economic impact of recycling now exceeds $13 billion. In addition, the recycling industry has the ability to scale up employment at a higher rate than the average South Carolina industry with an employment multiplier of 2.4. This means that for every 10 jobs in recycling, there are 14 others created in the state’s economy. In the last five years, Commerce helped facilitate recycling industry recruitment of 1,958 jobs, $1.29 million in capital investment, and 31 new or existing companies investing in South Carolina.

• Plexiglass Recycling
  To help with post-pandemic cleanup, Mumford Industries will be taking plexiglass dividers for recycling.  Plexiglass sheets must be stacked flat on pallets or boxes on pallets and wrapped or banded. Delivery to their facility in Ninety Six, S.C. is preferred. Contact Tina Green  tina@mumfordindustries.com. Please note that scientists are predicting the possibility of another surge of COVID surge in the fall. So, you may want to consider storing that plexiglass for a while just in case.
   
• Pyrolysis Recycling
  The Post & Courier reports that legislation is likely headed to the desk of Gov. Henry McMaster which would allow companies who melt plastics by a process called pyrolysis to operate in South Carolina without the same regulations that apply to other trash handlers. Opponents of the bill worry that this new industry will fail financially and leave the state with a mess to clean up.
   
• Bottle Bills
  The long-standing debate about bottle bills continues. Read more here.

Beyond Waste Reduction & Recycling

• Air 
  During the COVID-19 pandemic, South Carolinians enjoyed a brief period of time when commuting to work ceased and the air was cleaner due to reduced air pollution coming from vehicle emissions. As businesses reopen and we return to the workplace, we can still help keep vehicle emissions low by encouraging our workplaces to participate in SC DHEC's Breathe Better for Businesses program. Registered businesses will receive anti-idling signs for loading areas and air quality desktop signs to display the Ground-level Ozone Forecast for staff and visitors. The program also encourages offering and supporting telecommuting, alternate work schedule options, and other air pollution reduction strategies for your staff.
   
• Food
  The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is now open to help provide fresh produce for eligible seniors and support local farmers. The $5 checks are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be spent at approved farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.
  
  Three eateries on the UofSC campus -  Chick-fil-A, Honeycomb Café, and Global Café - have been designated Certified Green Restaurants®. Check out the list of standards here.
   
• Litter
  Time magazine writes, “Garbage is freaking everywhere after Americans venture out after a year of lockdowns.”
  
  Wired reports that littered PPE waste is posing problems for wildlife.