Do your part!

www.recyclemoresc.org

do your part.Use this guide to find recycling solutions for your home, school and business for:

appliances, bottles, cans,

cardboard, computers,

paper, printers, tires,

televisions, fluorescent bulbs,

used motor oil, oil bottles and

filters, yard trimmings and more.

Visit www.recyclemoresc.org for more information.

recyclemoresc 1 Do your part!

The 40by2020 Partnership is a group of public and private stakeholders dedicated to sharing knowledge, coordinating resources and working together to help South Carolina meet or exceed its 40 percent recycling goal set for 2020.

The RecyleMoreSC campaign is the centerpiece effort of the partnership. The campaign is designed to reinvigorate recycling in South Carolina by:

• promotingtheeconomicandenvironmentalbenefitsofrecycling;

• providing tools to local governments to present a clear, consistent message across the state; and

• challenging residents, businesses and others to do their part and recycle more.

The partnership includes Pratt Industries and Sonoco Recycling as well as PalmettoPride, the S.C. Beverage Association, the S.C. Department of Commerce and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

use this guideWhy recycle? ............................................ 2

Recycling: The Basics ................................ 3

Recycling is easy. ...................................... 3

Recycle right! ........................................... 3

Items That MUST BE RECYCLED ................ 4

Recycling’s Dirty Dozen ............................ 5

Miscellaneous Items ................................. 6

[antifreeze, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), gasoline or gasoline/oil mixtures, hazardous household products, mercury thermostats, oil filters and bottles, paint, rechargeable batteries, unwanted mail, unwanted medicine]

Bring your own bag. ................................ 8

Doing 6 little things can make a BIG difference. ....................................... 9

Recycling at School ................................ 10

Recycling at Work ................................... 11

Recycling at Hotels, Motels and Restaurants ..................................... 11

Backyard Composting ............................ 12

It’s never right to litter. .......................... 13

Do your part! 2 recyclemoresc

why recycle?Here’s why – the three E’s: Energy, the Environment and the Economy.

• Recycling saves energy. Manufacturing products from recycled material uses far less energy than making the same product from raw material. This makes us less energy dependent.

• Recycling helps protect the environment. Recycling conserves resources, prevents pollution by reducing the need to collect raw material to make new products and lessenstheneedtobuildlandfills.

• Recycling plays a significant role in the state’s economy. South Carolina is home to about 520 recycling businesses that provide more than 22,000 jobs.

Together, businesses, local governments and individuals make South Carolina a recycling success story.

do your partAlthough the state’s recycling rate continues to increase, we still send about 70 percent of ourwastetolandfills.Muchof that material could have beenrecycled.Thatreflectslost opportunities to lower disposal costs, earn revenue from the sale of recyclables, conserve resources, create jobs and sustain recycling businesses.

We can do better. It all begins with you.

Recycle more, South Carolina.

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BELOW: Workers process recycled paper at the Sonoco Recycling facility in Greenville County.

recyclemoresc 3 Do your part!

recycling: the basicshow does recycling work?Recycling – with the exception of a few items such as appliances, electronics and lead-acid batteries – is not mandatory in South Carolina. Recycling is voluntary. Local governments design and offer programs for their residents that need your participation to be successful. Recycling will not work without you.

what can I recycle?Programs differ from community to community. Most programs, however, accept aluminum cans, plastic bottles, steel cans (e.g., fruit, vegetable, soup), cardboard, newspaper, glass bottles (clear, green and brown). One of themostimportantactionsthatyoucantakeistofindoutwhat is accepted in your program.

recycle the right stuff.Recycling starts when you place the correct items in your recycling container – that is material that is accepted in your community’s program. Placing the wrong items – material that is not accepted – increases costs for local governments and businesses. To learn more, see “Recycling’s Dirty Dozen” of items that you should never place in a recycling container.

why can’t I recycle everything?Markets often determine whether an item is recyclable in your community. If there isn’t enough of a given material or the material is too far away from an available market, then it’s less likely to be accepted for recycling. In addition, some material (e.g., Styrofoam) has little value in the marketplace and may not be cost effective to collect.

where can I recycle?You can recycle at home, school, work and on the go – just about anywhere. South Carolina has 93 curbside programs, more than 640 recycling drop-off centers and more than 900 used motor oil collection centers. In addition, recycling is available at each of South Carolina’s state parks and four largest airports. Finally, many national retail outlets offer recyclingopportunitiesforspecificmaterial.

recycling is easy.Youcanfindalistingof all of the recycling programs in your county at www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/Whereto RecycleLocally/.

Recycle right!Don’t forget to rinse cans, flatten cardboard and leave the caps on bottles.

Do your part! 4 recyclemoresc

items that MUST BE RECYCLEDThere are several items that by law must be recycled in South Carolina. If you have questions on any of these items, please check with your county recycling coordinator.Youcanfindalistingofallofthe recycling programs in your county at www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/WheretoRecycleLocally/.

This link also provides a list of what is accepted, where it is accepted and who to call locally for more information.

appliances(large appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers)

If you buy a new appliance, ask the retailer to take back your old appliance. In addition, each of the state’s 46 counties accepts large appliances – so check with your county recycling coordinator.

electronicsAll counties provide programs and/or single-day events to recycle electronics. In addition, many retailers (e.g., Best Buy®, TargetTM) offer collection programs. Finally, consider donating your working electronics tonon-profitsandother organizations.

lead-acid batteriesYou can recycle your old battery at a retail location when you buy a new one. If you have an old battery and don’t need to buy a new one, there are two options. Check with your county recycling coordinator. If your county does not offer a program, check with local car dealers and repair shops to see if they will accept your old battery.

tiresEach county has a collection program that accepts a maximum number of tires

at recycling drop-off centers orlandfills.

used motor oilThere are more than 900 collections sites for do-it-yourself oil changers. The network includes local governments, quick lubes (e.g., Advance AutoTM) and auto parts stores (e.g., Auto ZoneTM).

recyclemoresc 5 Do your part!

recycling’s dirty dozen

1 NO Plastic BagsPlastic bags are a

SERIOUS contaminant and jam sorting machines at recycling facilities. Plastic bags with a #2 that are clean, dry and empty may be recycled at participating grocery stores.

2 NO Plastic Bags with Recyclables Either

Workers have to slow the conveyor belts to open bags that contain recyclables. These inefficiencieswastetimeandmoney.

3 NO Shredded Paper and Other Small Items

Shredded paper and other small items often become litter before reaching the recycling center. Once there, they fall through the cracks of sorting machines, stick to belts and contaminate properly sorted material.

4 NO Scrap MetalScrap metal – such as steel, brass, iron

and aluminum – cause excessive damage to recycling equipment. Take scrap metal to a scrap metal dealer or recycling center.

5 NO Hazardous Household Materials

Paint,automotivefluids,householdcleaners and similar materials must be disposed of properly. Check to see if your county has a collection program or offers single-day collection events. If not, follow the instructions on the label.

6 NO Flattened ItemsSortingequipmentseparates“flats”

(paper) from “rounds” (containers). When containersareflattened,theequipmentmistakenly sends them to the paper side of

the facility, contaminating the paper going to market.

7 NO Non-recyclable PlasticsLoose plastic lids, Styrofoam® and other

plastic may not be recyclable where you live. Check with your local recycling program.

8 NO Caps/Lids on Glass Bottles or Jars

Metal lids can be removed and recycled loose in the bin or cart. Throw away plastic lids and caps from glass bottles and jars.

9 NO Liquids or FoodWhen bottles are compacted

for shipping, liquids drip and splatter, creating a sticky, smelly mess. Empty and quickly rinse all containers before recycling.

10 NO Non-recyclable GlassGlassware, ceramics, Pyrex baking

dishes,lightbulbs,fluorescentlamps,windowglass and mirrors cannot be recycled. These types of glass often are treated with chemicals and have different melting points than traditional container glass (e.g., bottles and jars).

11 NO Rope-like Items Water hoses, holiday lights, leather

belts, etc., should not go in curbside bins or carts. These items wrap around machines. Holiday lights can be recycled at some scrap metal dealers.

12 NO Diapers or Bio-Hazardous Waste

Syringes and needles, diapers and other sanitary products ARE NOT recyclable and pose a risk to workers. Visit www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/DisposingofNeedles/ to learn how to properly dispose of syringes and needles.

Never place these 12 ITEMS in a recycling bin or cart.

Do your part! 6 recyclemoresc

more reasons to recycle• Recycling reduces

waste. The more you recycle the less you throw away. Remember, however, that waste reduction is a better option than recycling and that most effective way to reduce waste is not create it in the firstplace.

• Recycling reduces the need for more landfills. Recycling preserveslandfillspace by diverting valuable material from disposal. In addition, local governments and businesses can save money on avoided disposal costs by reducing waste and recycling.

miscellaneous itemsSome of these items aren’t typically collected in residential recycling programs. Your local government, however, may hold special collection events or may be aware of more convenientrecyclingoptions.Sochecklocallyfirst.

antifreezeMany county programs accept antifreeze. Your local car dealership, automotive repair shop and quick lube may offer collection programs as well.

compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)The Home DepotTM customers can give unbroken CFLs to a store associate at the customer service desk for recycling. Visit www.homedepot.com tofindastorenearyou. Lowe’sTM customers can bring unbroken CFLs to the recycling center located inside the entrance at participating stores. Visit www.lowes.com to findastoreinyourarea.Checkwiththestorebefore you go. Not all stores recycle CFLs.

gasoline or gasoline/oil mixturesMost county programs accept gasoline or oil/gasoline mixtures at designated drop-off sites. Visit www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/WheretoRecycleLocally/ tofindanearbylocation.

hazardous household products (e.g., automotive fluids, pesticides, etc.)

Automotivefluids,cleaners,lawnandgardenproducts, paint, pool chemicals and other common hazardous household products aredifficulttorecycle.Somecountieshavepermanent programs while many others offer single-day collection events. Please visit www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/WheretoRecycleLocally/ to see what services are available in your community. If an unwanted product cannot be recycled, is still

recyclemoresc 7 Do your part!

Continued on the following page

sold in stores and has a readable label, check to see if a neighbor or community organization could use it. Otherwise, dispose of the product by following the directions on the label. Never pour these products into a drain or storm drain.

mercury thermostatsYou can recycle mercury thermostats through a nationwide program offered by the Thermostat Recycling Corporation. Please visit www.thermostat-recycle.org tofindalocation near you.

oil filters & bottlesIn addition to used motor oil, most counties collect usedmotoroilfiltersandbottlesfromdo-it-yourself oilchangers.Tofindasitenearyou,pleasevisit www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/WheretoRecycleLocally/ .

paintIf the paint can be used, try to donate it to a non-profit,church,theatergrouporschool.Somecountiesaccept usable latex paint. A few counties also accept oil-based paint. Visit www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/WheretoRecycleLocally/ to see what services are available in your community.

recycle more paperMany types of paper can be recycled such as office,computerandcopierpaper(staplesareOK),wrapping paper, newspaper and inserts, magazines, catalogs and paper bags as well as unwanted mail (see page 7 for ways to reduce your unwanted mail).

But did you know that in some communities you can recycle many of your food and household goods boxes as well? Paperboard cartons (e.g., cereal, cracker, pasta boxes) can be recycled. Some communities also accept pizza boxes as long as they are not coated with cheese or grease.

As always, check with your county recycling coordinator to learn what types of paper and paper products are collected in your community.

Do your part! 8 recyclemoresc

paint (continued)If you are unable to donate or recycle your paint, you can prepare it for proper disposal by completing the following steps.

• Remove the lid and allow the paint to dry. Make sure you do this in a well ventilated area away from children and pets.

• You can add cat litter, shredded newspaper, sand or saw dust to the paint to speed up the drying process. Stir occasionally. You can purchase a hardening agent at your local hardware or home supply store.

• Once the paint is dry, you can dispose of it with your household garbage.

rechargeable batteriesCall2Recycle® recycles rechargeable batteries and cell phones. The following types of batteries can be recycled – nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH), small sealed lead (SSLA/Pb), nickel zinc (Ni-ZN) and lithium ion (Li-Ion). All of these can be recycled at participating retail stores including Best Buy®, The Home DepotTM, Lowe’sTM, Radio ShackTM and SearsTM. For a retail location near you, please visit www.call2recycle.org/locator/.

bring your own bagGrocery stores and other retailers provide about 40 billion single use paper and plastic bags to their customers every year. While many of the bags are recycled, many more are thrown away or become unsightly litter.

Here’s one simple way to go green in your daily life: bring reusable bags every time you go to the store.

Here are a few tips to help you remember your reuseable bags.

• Keep bags in your car, office or backpack.

• Hang bags on the front doorknob.

• Make it the first item on your shopping list.

recyclemoresc 9 Do your part!

doing 6 little things can make a BIG difference

1 Learn about your recycling program. Then participate.

The best (and possibly easiest) thing you candoisfindoutwhatisacceptedinyour community’s recycling program. Visit www.scdhec.gov/HomeAndEnvironment/Recycling/WheretoRecycleLocally/.

2 Recycle right.

Items like plastic grocery bags, Styrofoam cups and trays don’t belong in your recycling bin. Your local grocery store or big box retailer, however, may accept them. Ask next time you’re there. To learn more about what not to place in your recycling container, see “Recycling’s Dirty Dozen” on page 5.

3 Recycle with retailers.

Bigboxretailersandofficesupplystores often have recycling options available for their customers. Ask about any recycling services they provide for electronics, electronic media, printer and toner cartridges, Styrofoam packaging, etc.

4 Shredding services may be available.

Havesomeconfidentialdocuments?Needthem shredded? Check with local bank branches. There may be a one-day event coming up where your documents can be shredded and recycled.

5 Recycle on the go.

Be on the lookout for recycling containers at South Carolina’s 47 state parks, historical sites and four largest airports. To learn more about recycling at South Carolina’s State Parks, please visit www.southcarolinaparks.com/our-mission/recycling-at-park.aspx.

6 Recycle at work and school.

Make sure you recycle on the job and at school, too. Check RecycleMoreSC’s Resources Page at www.recyclemoresc.org/resources.htm for more information on how to get started. Learn more about school recycling at www.scdhec.gov/library/CR-011016.pdf.

Do your part! 10 recyclemoresc

recycling at schoolDo your part. If your school does not have a recycling program, start one. If your school already recycles, can it recycle more?

By recycling at school, students, teachers, staff, administration and parents can learn not only the basics of recycling, but of sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Recycling may help schools and school districts save money through avoided disposal costs. Remember, the less you throw away, the less you should have to pay to have garbage hauled away. Depending on what and how much is recycled, there may be a chance to earn revenue from the sale of certain collected items (e.g., printer cartridges and aluminum cans).

The publications on the right can help schools start recycling programs, begin composting and organize environmental clubs. To download a copy of each guide, visit www.scdhec.gov/recycle.

recyclemoresc 11 Do your part!

recycling at workBusinesses and industry account for more than 60 percent of the material that is recycled in South Carolina.

So, why should your business recycle? Well, recycling is not only good for the environment and the economy, but it is also good for your bottom line. Recycling may save your business money in avoided disposal costs and can create new revenue from the sale of recovered material.

The S.C. Smart Business Recycling Program offers free, confidentialandnon-regulatoryservicesincluding:

• technical assistance;

• best management practices;

• research and contacts for potential markets of material, service providers;

• site visits to assess reuse, waste reduction and recycling opportunities;

• S.C. Materials Exchange; and

• state recognition program.

To learn more, visit www.scdhec.gov/smartbusiness.

recycling at hotels, motels and restaurantsHotels, motels and restaurants should recycle, too.

The S.C Green Hospitality Alliance provides resourcesandtechnicalassistancespecificallytohelp hospitality facilities go green.

Visit www.scdhec.gov/HomeandEnvironment/BusinessesandCommunities-GoGreen/HospitalityIndustryGoGreen/ to get started.

don’t forget to reportBusinesses that recycle are encouraged to report their activities (what you recycled and the amount) to their county recycling coordinator or DHEC so that your numbers can be counted towards meeting South Carolina’s recycling goal.

top 10 reasons to recyclemoreHow many do you think you know? Please visit www.recyclemoresc.org/pubs/CR-011122B.pdf to see the list.

Do your part! 12 recyclemoresc

benefits of backyard compostingTherearemanybenefitstobackyardcomposting.

• You make less waste.

• You reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizer and pesticides.

• You buy fewer bags for garbage or leaves.

• You buy fewer bags of compost from retailers because you make your own valuable product at home that is rich in nutrients and can be used in your gardenandflowerbedsandonyourlawn.

backyard compostingComposting is nature’s way of recycling.

Making compost is a lot like cooking a meal. You take some basic ingredients, add water, mix well and let it cook over a given period oftime.Youcouldhavefinishedcompostready to use in as little as 12 weeks.

Want to get started? Here are some tips.

Five ingredients are required for composting – space, greens, browns, water and air. Mixing the proper amounts of these ingredients will provide the composting organisms (microbes and insects) with enough nitrogen, moisture and oxygen to break down the material effectively.

1. Pick a partially shaded spot in your yard. You will need an area about 3 feet by 3 feet that is at least 2 feet from a structure like your house or a fence. You can build a compost pile on the ground, but using a compost bin will help keep your pile neat and tidy, deter rodents and help your pile retain heat and moisture.

2. Add greens (e.g., grass clippings, vegetable scraps). Do not add any meat or dairy products.

3. Include browns (e.g., wood chips, dry leaves and twigs, paper).

4. Check the moisture. Too little moisture will inhibit the composting process. Too much moisture will cause the pile to smell. Here’s a simple rule to follow – the pile should be as moist as a damp sponge.

5. Turn, turn, turn. Air is essential. Turn your pile once a week to inhibit odor-causing bacteria and speed the composting process.

Visit www.scdhec.gov/compost to learn more about backyard composting.

s.c. litter laws• Litter is misplaced

trash or solid waste.

• Littering is against the law. No person shall dump, deposit, discard or dispose litter or solid waste on public property, private property or in the waters in South Carolina.

• Cigarette butts are litter.

• Vehicles carrying any type of load MUST SECURE the items to prevent them from falling out and creating litter. That goes for trucks or cars.

it’s never right to litterAs much as three-fourths of litter is material that can be recycled.

Why does litter matter? Because areas with litter attract more litter. Neighborhoods with litter,graffitiandotherenvironmentalblightsmake residents feel less safe.

Litter negatively impacts economic development and tourism. The bottom line is clear: people don’t want to spend money in areas with litter.

More than 80 percent of all litter is intentional. And to make matters worse, it is estimated that as much as three-fourths of litter is material that can be recycled such as bottles and cans.

The No. 1 way to stop litter is to get people to stop littering.

1. Teach your children not to litter.

2. Set an example for your neighbors.

3. Tell your local governments to make litter enforcement a priority.

4. Organize neighborhood cleanups and beautification projects. Clean it up and make it attractive. People are less likely to litter in an area that is clean.

Our communities will be safer if they are cleaner. Visit www.palmettopride.org to learnhowtogetinvolvedinthefightforcleaner communities.

Want to learn more about recycling in South Carolina? Visit

www.scdhec.gov/recycle.