Let's Not Waste the Opportunity

Today, South Carolinians recycle approximately 22% of their residential waste, that's far below the state goal of 35%.  Counties and municipalities across the state promote recycling, but there are no state requirements to recycle.  The result is a continuing downward trend in recycling of our solid waste and a continuing increase in new landfills and landfill expansions.

Recycling in this state is about to change.  Senate bill 461, the Alcohol Beverage Container Recycling Bill has been filed by Sen. Ray Cleary and assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.  S. 461 requires establishments that have state liquor licenses to recycle their plastic, glass, aluminum and corrugated card board.

If passed S.461 will provide the impetus to expand recycling, helping us move towards the 35% recycling goal, reduce the use of landfills and ultimately get us to zero waste.

S.461 will not pass without your help.  Contact your legislators and ask them to support recycling and pass S.461.  I will let you know when the Senate Judiciary Committee schedules a hearing on the bill, please consider joining us in Columbia.

Talk with your favorite restaurant and ask them to speak up for S. 461.  We need the Hospitality Industry's support.

Let's Not Waste the Opportunity!