Press Release
Charleston County Environmental Management is continuing efforts to combat non-recyclable contamination found in the County’s recycling program. Beginning May 24th, staff will be checking curbside recycling carts for contaminated material. Carts with non-compliant contents will receive an “Oops” tag with educational information.
Non-recyclables frequently found in recycling carts include: plastic bags and plastic wrap, food waste, wood, concrete, Styrofoam, clothing, blankets, tanglers (i.e. cables, cords, hoses, and belts), large plastic items, and household garbage. Non-recyclable contamination damages equipment, poses worker safety issues and increases the cost of recycling.
With the recent opening of the County’s new Material Recovery Facility (MRF), citizens are being asked to ensure that they are “Recycling Right.” The County recycling program only accepts glass bottles & jars, aluminum & steel cans, plastic bottles & containers, paperboard & cardboard, and paper. Do not leave material outside of your cart. Flatten all cardboard boxes and cut them to size, if necessary. Overflow recyclable material may be dropped off at any one of Charleston County's many dropsite locations.
For more information on how to Recycle Right: recycle.charlestoncounty.org
If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer to assist with recycling education or to become a neighborhood captain, please email LaMonica Smalls at LRSmalls@charlestoncounty.org.
Staff will focus on communities throughout Charleston County. The current scheduled curbside recycling cart checks include:
Stiles Point, James Island
Mon. May 24
Mon. June 7
Mon. June 21
Westchester, James Island
Mon. May 24
Mon. June 7
Mon. June 21
Stono Park, West Ashley
Tues. May 25
Tues. June 8
Tues. June 22
Wappoo Road Area, West Ashley
Tues. May 25
Tues. June 8
Tues. June 22
Lenevar, West Ashley
Wed. May 26
Wed. June 9
Wed. June 23
Ardmore, West Ashley
Wed. May 26
Wed. June 9
Wed. June 23
Pepperhill, North Charleston
Thurs. May 27
Thurs. June 10
Thurs. June 24
Whipper Barony, North Charleston
Thurs. May 27
Thurs. June 10
Thurs. June 24
Remount Road Area, North Charleston
Thurs. May 27
Thurs. June 10
Thurs. June 24
Wando Woods, North Charleston
Thurs. May 27
Thurs. June 10
Thurs. June 24
**Dates and locations are subject to change due to weather and staffing availability.***
For more information on recycling, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit recycle.charlestoncounty.org.