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EPA Recognizes South Carolina Program for Leadership in Recycling

Release Date: 11/05/2010
Contact Information: James Pinkney, (404) 562-9183, [email protected]

(Atlanta – Nov. 5, 2010) Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it has awarded the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling the Notable Achievement Award for a state program.

The award recognizes the SCDHEC office’s outstanding contributions to achieving the goals of EPA’s Resource Conservation Challenge, which is a national effort to conserve natural resources and energy by managing materials more efficiently. Notably, the SCDHEC Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling’s education and outreach efforts extend beyond the state’s schools to programs designed for industry and local government programs.

The South Carolina Smart Business Recycling Program is a partnership between SCDHEC and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. This program offers free, confidential, non-regulatory assistance to businesses including site visits, technical assistance, research and contacts for potential vendors, workshops and a recognition program.

South Carolina’s Recycle Guys are one of the most popular and widely recognized icons of the recycling industry; they are used in at least ten states and numerous local governments to promote recycling and reuse. The SCDHEC Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling has developed additional age-specific education programs for students Kindergarten through 12^th Grade.

The Office has also partnered with South Carolina’s four largest airports for a comprehensive airport recycling program, providing recycling-on-the-go options for more than 5 million travelers each year. Local government recycling coordinators and workers are educated through Recycling Center Attendant Training and Recycling Professionals Certification.

The SCDHEC Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling’s diverse programs and multi-faceted outreach efforts demonstrate leadership and innovation in reducing the impact of solid waste on the environment and the economy.

Persons interested in obtaining additional information are encouraged to contact Steve Smith at (404) 562-8501 / [email protected] or Richard Chesley (803) 896-4209 / [email protected] .