The Recycle Guys Awards Program · The Recycle Guys Awards Program DHEC honors South Carolina’s top recyclers for 2001 Recycling Coordinator of the Year Greenwood County’s Sightler

SPRING 2002

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SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINE

DHEC, PalmettoPride partner to promote litter prevention Page 15

The Recycle Guys Awards ProgramDHEC honors South Carolina’s top recyclers for 2001

Recycling Coordinator of the YearGreenwood County’s Sightler recognized for achievements

District Award for ExcellenceReece wins award for work in DHEC’s Lower Savannah

Environmental Quality Control District

Spring 2002Donna Sightler,

Recycling Coordinatorof the Year

Marilyn Muckenfuss,Recycling Teacher

of the Year

Myra Reece,DHEC’s EQC DistrictAward for Excellence

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SPRING 2002SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINE

Co

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DHEC honors state’s top recyclersat Recycle Guys Awards Program ......................................... page 3

Greenwood County’s Sightler namedRecycling Coordinator of the Year ......................................... page 4

Webster honored; three win awardssponsored by International Paper .......................................... page 5

DHEC presents Clemson Best College,University Recycling Program Award ..................................... page 6

Horry County Solid Waste Authority namedBest Local Government Recycling Program .......................... page 7

Georgetown County receivesBest Composting Program Award .......................................... page 8

Most Creative Recycling Effort Award presentedto Housing Authority of the City of Greenville ........................ page 9

DAODAS’ revitalized recycling program wins award ............. page 9

DHEC, RMDAC honor Draexlmaier Automotivewith 2001 Best Industry Recycling Award ............................ page 10

Circle Environmental’s waste reduction effortsrecognized by DHEC ............................................................ page 11

York County wins Best Local GovernmentEducation/Awareness Award ............................................... page 12

Lower Savannah’s Reece receives2001 District Award for Excellence ...................................... page 13

Santee Cooper honored for successof GOFER used oil recycling program ................................. page 14

DHEC receives PalmettoPride grant targetinghigh school driver education classes ................................... page 15

PalmettoPride unveils new mascot to promoteSouth Carolina litter prevention efforts ................................. page 16

Energy 2 Learn: The Summer Workshop returns ................ page 17

Earth Day events scheduled in South Carolina ................... page 18

Earth Day USA telecast to air nationally April 18 on PBS .... page 18

DHEC, SRS, North Augusta setKids’ Earth Day for April 27 .................................................. page 19

Are you ready for ozone season? ........................................ page 20

Earth Camp set for July 17-20 at Camp Long ...................... page 21

Appalachia II EQC District goes ‘back to school’to promote environment ....................................................... page 21

Counties name new recycling coordinators, staff ................ page 22

DHEC’s Storey elected to America Recycles DayBoard of Directors ................................................................ page 22

“South Carolina Recycles Magazine,” Volume 5, Issue 1, ispublished quarterly by the S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control’s (DHEC) Office of Solid Waste Reductionand Recycling. Funding for this publication is provided by disposalfees from the Petroleum Fund in accordance with the S.C. SolidWaste Policy and Management Act of 1991.

Editor: Gregg Glymph; Assistant Editor: Karen Owens;Contributing Writers: Pam Bergstrand, Donna Bowman, RichardChesley, Amy Curran, Gregg Glymph, Karen Owens, Holly Storeyand Joan Williams. Photo Credits: Photographs were provided byDHEC’s Photography Department, DHEC’s Lower SavannahEnvironmental Quality Control District Office, Clemson University,PalmettoPride and the “Seneca Daily Journal and Messenger.”

This publication isprinted on

RECYCLEDcontent paper.

Hirst rememberedA granite bench was dedicated to the memory andservice of Jack Hirst by the residents of OconeeCounty on March 8 at the county’s solid waste facility.Hirst, who passed away last year, was the solid wastedirector for the county since 1990.

Earlier this year, the S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control’s Office of Solid WasteReduction and Recycling named its RecyclingCoordinator of the Year Award in honor of Hirst.

From left: Hirst’s wife, Kaye, and daughter, Lynette Kean, werepresent for the dedication of this granite bench. Also pictured isOconee County Administrative Assistant Sandra Smith. Photoprovided courtesy of the “Seneca Daily Journal and Messenger.”

To learn moreabout waste reductionand recycling inSouth Carolina, call1-800-768-7348 orvisit www.scdhec.net/recycle.

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By Richard Chesley

The top recycling programs, projects and people were honoredrecently during the seventh annual Recycle Guys Awards Programheld by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s(DHEC) Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling (Office).

Donna Sightler of Greenwood County was named RecyclingCoordinator of the Year while Horry County was honored for BestLocal Government Recycling Program and York County wasrecognized for having the Best Local Government Education/Awareness Program.

Santee Cooper was given the Outstanding Achievement Awardfor its Give Oil For Energy Recovery or GOFER used oil recyclingprogram.

Tim and Christine Milstead of Newberry were named RecyclingFamily of the Year and won the $1,000 grand prize from InternationalPaper.

Marilyn Muckenfuss of Stiles Point Elementary School in Charlestonwas named the Recycling Teacher of the Year and received ascholarship to attend the National Recycling Coalition’s annualconference set for this fall courtesy of International Paper. In addition,Crowders Creek Elementary/Middle School Complex of York Countywas named Recycling School of the Year. The school received $1,000 and100,000 sheets of recycled content paper courtesy of International Paper.

Others winners were: Clemson University, Best College/UniversityRecycling Program; The Housing Authority of the City of Greenville,Most Creative Recycling Effort; Georgetown County, Best Composting Program;S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services, Best State AgencyRecycling Program; Draexlmaier Automotive of America, Best Industry Recycling Program;and Circle Environmental, Inc., Best Waste Reduction Program.

In special recognitions, Patsy Turner, Mary Urias and Harry Phillips of Fairfield County werehonored for their work this past year in setting up Keep Fairfield Beautiful. Paula Webster ofInternational Paper was recognized for her work in setting up Love A Tree South Carolina, an environmentaleducation program, with the Office. Angie Perry and Mary Margaret Mendenhall were recognized for theirenvironmental education work throughout South Carolina. Pat Ruff of Cowpens National Battlefield was honored

for her work in a recycling partnership with the Office. And Myra Reece, director of DHEC’s LowerSavannah Environmental Quality Control District centered in Aiken, was recognized for her workand leadership on environmental education and outreach activities.

Richard Chesley is manager of the education and technical assistance section of DHEC’sOffice of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling.

Cover Story

DHEC honors state’s top recyclersat Recycle Guys Awards Program

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Recycling Coordinator of the YearBy Richard Chesley

It didn’t take Donna Sightlerlong to learn about being arecycling coordinator.

Sightler, who has been on thejob since February 2000 inGreenwood County, wasnamed Recycling Coordinatorof the Year at the seventhannual Recycle Guys AwardsProgram held recently by theS.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control (DHEC).

Sightler was recognized fordeveloping strong partnershipswith schools, businesses andlocal governments andexpanding the county’s recycling program.

“Donna makes recycling fun and meaningful at thesame time,” said Jana White, manager of the grantssection of DHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reductionand Recycling (Office). “She is so enthusiastic andworks hard. What she has accomplished in a shortamount of time being on the job is remarkable.”

Under her leadership, the county added used oil filtersand bottles, a collection tank for used oil from farmers,another used oil recycling location at Emerald Centerand paint collection at all nine of the county’s recyclingcenters. Prior to this effort, the used oil filters andbottles as well as paint were being disposed in alandfill, and there was no place for local farmers torecycle their used oil. She also was recognized forworking closely with schools, assisting with writinggrants, providing recycling bins and helping with“Action for a cleaner tomorrow: A South CarolinaEnvironmental Curriculum Supplement” lessons.

Sightler is a tireless partner with the community. Sheassists at Earth Day events at schools and colleges,including promoting DHEC’s annual Earth Dayprogram on South Carolina ETV in county schools andthe annual America Recycles Day celebration inNovember. She helped Greenwood High School and

Lander College write grantapplications and startrecycling programs. Sightlermade presentations or heldevents at Lander College,Erskine College andPiedmont Technical College.At Earth Day events atLowe’s, she gave awaycompost bins along witheducational materials on howto compost.

In addition, Sightler worksclosely with local businesses.She sets up tours of thefacilities to learn more abouttheir waste stream and thenpromotes recycling and wastereduction and assists with

markets, including putting businesses in touch withDHEC’s Center for Waste Minimization. She also heldan Environmental Awareness Day at the Fuji plant, arecycling day at the Civic Center, and helped with arecycling float at the Greenwood Christmas Parade.Sightler is active in the Carolina Recycling Associationand the Greenwood County Litter Task Force.

Sightler is the first person to be given the Jack HirstAward as Recycling Coordinator of the Year. Thename of the award was changed to honor Hirst, whopassed away in April 2001.

Hirst was the Oconee County’s solid waste directorsince 1990 and is remembered for his enthusiasm,dedication and willingness to share his knowledge withpeers. “He was a consummate professional whobelieved education was key in making recycling workand he always had a new idea,” said William W. Culler,director of the Office.

Richard Chesley is managerof the education andtechnical assistancesection of DHEC’sOffice of Solid WasteReduction andRecycling.

Donna Sightler, recycling coordinator for GreenwoodCounty, receives the Recycling Coordinator of the YearAward from DHEC Commissioner C. Earl Hunter.

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By Richard Chesley

Paula Webster of International Paper was recognizedfor her work and support in developing anenvironmental education partnership and promotingAmerica Recycles Day in South Carolina at theseventh annual Recycle Guys Awards Programsponsored by the S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control’s (DHEC) Office of Solid WasteReduction and Recycling (Office).

Webster helped develop and had International Papersponsor Love A Tree South Carolina, an environmentaleducation program focused on forest stewardshipincluding paper recycling. The program targetskindergarten through eighth-grade students and isdesigned to be used by classroom teachers or bystudents with permission of their teacher or parents.

International Paper also sponsored three key projectsof America Recycles Day in South Carolina: RecyclingFamily of the Year; Recycling Teacher of the Year; andRecycling School of the Year.

“Partnerships can make things happen,” said WilliamW. Culler, director of the Office. “We’re pleased thatwe have had this wonderful opportunity to partner withInternational Paper. Working together means everyonecan get more done.”

International Paper’s sponsorship of three AmericaRecycles Day contests helped promote the celebrationthroughout South Carolina. In each of the contestsentrants simply had to write an essay, 500 words orless, on why they should be honored.

Tim and Christine Milstead, and their son Bryan, ofNewberry were named the Recycling Family of theYear and won $1,000, courtesy of International Paper.The Milsteads, who have been recycling since the1970s, recycled an old house and used the materialsthey salvaged to help build another home. There were

two runners-up who each received$500 from International Paper –Gerard and Liz Avossa and their

Webster honored; three win awardssponsored by International Paper

Muckenfuss

children Michael and David from Simpsonville, and Billand Cynthia Waddell and their children Clara andTurner of Easley.

Marilyn Muckenfuss of Stiles PointElementary School in Charlestonwas named Recycling Teacher ofthe Year and received a $1,200scholarship to attend the NationalRecycling Coalition annualconference set for Austin, Texasthis fall. Muckenfuss wasrecognized for starting a school-wide recycling program thatcollected paper, cardboard,plastic, steel and aluminum cans.She also developed commercials that are shownthroughout the school to promote recycling,environmentally friendly ways to pack lunches and buyrecycled school supplies.

Crowders Creek Elementary/Middle School in Cloverwas named Recycling School of the Year. The schoolhas established an award-winning recycling program,

Pictured: The Milstead Family of Newberrywas honored as the South Carolina

Recycling Family of the Year.

See IP Winners, page 8

Winners

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By Holly Storey

Clemson University has been recognized throughoutthe nation for doing many things well.

Well, add recognition for having the state’sbest college or university recycling program.

Clemson was honored at the recentRecycle Guys Awards Program developedby the S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control’s (DHEC) Office ofSolid Waste Reduction and Recycling(Office).

Clemson has been recycling for 20 yearsand made it “official” in 1990 with thecreation of a recycling department and thehiring of two full-time staff members.

Clemson recycles an array of items including: whiteand colored paper; cardboard; newspaper; magazines;telephone books; hard and soft cover books; clear,brown and green glass; #1 and #2 plastics; household,auto and marine batteries; fluorescent bulbs; usedmotor oil; computers; toner cartridges; aluminum andsteel cans; Styrofoam peanuts; pallets; constructionand demolition debris; and yard waste.

There is a simple reason for the success of theprogram. “The university believes that the key tosuccessful recycling participation is the presence of aneducational plan that reaches everyone in the 25,000-person school community,” said Charlie Butts,Clemson University’s recycling coordinator.

Recycling 101 is a face-to-face opportunity to promote,educate and answer questions about recycling. Brief,informative lectures and discussions are presented tovarious groups and organizations to convey theimportance of recycling, the mission of the recyclingdepartment and how these points relate to the overallmission of the university.

Another part of Clemson’s education efforts includesproviding information on the recycling department’sWeb site about the specifics of the recycling programand how to prepare recyclables. The recycling staffalso reuses recycled paper and cardboard to makerecycled notebooks. These notebooks are very

DHEC presents Clemson Best College,University Recycling Program Award

popular with students and serve as both aneducational and promotional tool.

Clemson has added several components to itsrecycling program. The student-initiated FootballRecycling Program was implemented in response tothe approximately 12 tons of trash landfilled after eachhome game. Plastic, glass and aluminum are collectedby both passive and active methods. Containers arestrategically placed so fans can deposit theserecyclables. For fans that require more incentive torecycle, student volunteers make the rounds using agolf cart to collect during tailgate time. More than a tonof material is collected after each home game.

This year the Residence Hall Recycling Program wasgreatly expanded. More than 20 residence halls andapartment complexes have volunteered to participatein a program to collect paper, newspaper, magazines,plastic, glass, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans.Each participating room/apartment receives anindividual recycling bin for collection. Central collectionsites have been established neareach residence hall or withineach apartment complex foreasy access. More than400 rooms andapartments have an in-room bin for recycling.

See Clemson, page 23

Butts

Clemson University’s recycling program includes thiscomposting facility. It produces enough mulch andcompost to landscape the Clemson’s 750-acre maincampus plus other facilities.

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Horry County Solid Waste Authority namedBest Local Government Recycling Program

Winners

Ricky Hardee (left) with Horry County Solid Waste Authority acceptsthe Best Local Government Recycling Program Award from DHECCommissioner C. Earl Hunter.

By Richard Chesley

Horry County Solid WasteAuthority was honored ashaving the Best LocalGovernment RecyclingProgram during theseventh annual RecycleGuys Awards Programsponsored by the S.C.Department of Health andEnvironmental Control(DHEC).

“Horry County has a modelprogram not only for SouthCarolina but in many waysfor the nation,” saidWilliam W. Culler, directorof DHEC’s Office of SolidWaste Reduction andRecycling (Office), which is the coordinator of theawards program. “The county has developed thisoutstanding program facing some of the most uniquechallenges regarding solid waste management in thestate because of the tourist industry.”

According to Culler, a model local governmentrecycling program would include staffed recyclingcenters, municipal curbside programs, high-levelcomposting, recycling assistance for businesses,strong education efforts and a household hazardousmaterials collection program. “Horry County has all ofthese in its program and does all of them well.”

“In addition,” Culler said, “the county is beginning atourist recycling program and has developed a landfillgas-to-energy program with Santee Cooper thatconverts decaying solid waste into electrical power.”

Horry County Solid Waste Authority has 19 staffedrecycling centers located in unincorporated areas andaccepts recyclables from six municipalities and about10 unincorporated communities serviced by private

haulers. The county’smaterials recovery facilityprocessed about 10,631tons of materials in fiscalyear 2001, a five percentincrease from the previousyear.

Horry County’s recyclingeducation efforts aresecond to none in SouthCarolina. The countyworks with 43 publicschools and severalprivate schools andprovides roll carts for thecollection of office paperand newspaper. Inaddition, the county hasdeveloped a uniquerecycling program,

Kafeterias Against Trash or KAT. As part of thisprogram, cafeteria staff rinse and bag steel cans aswell as aluminum and plastic containers.

The county also has a state-of-the-art compostingfacility that processed about 24,826 tons of yardwaste, land-clearing debris and clean wood in fiscalyear 2001. In addition, the county diverted about14,459 tons of concrete, block and asphalt, and about3,254 tons of shingles, grinding the materials to use inlandfill roads.

More than 260 businesses are enrolled in the county’soffice paper recycling program, recycling about 70 to80 tons of paper every month.

The county is the second fastest growing county in thenation and the fastest growing in South Carolina. Thearea has a population of about 200,000 and acts ashost to about 14 million people during the touristseason.

“Horry County has accepted its many uniquechallenges and developed a terrific comprehensiveprogram,” Culler said. “They are well deserving of thisaward.”

Richard Chesley is manager of the education andtechnical assistance section of DHEC’s Office of SolidWaste Reduction and Recycling.

DID YOU KNOW? This is thefourth Recycle Guys awardthat Horry County Solid WasteAuthority has won and secondfor the Best Local GovernmentRecycling Program.

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IP Winners, continued from page 5

Georgetown County receivesBest Composting Program Award

Georgetown County knew it had a winnerwith its composting facility. Now the countyhas a two-time winner.

The Georgetown County CompostingFacility was given the first Best CompostingProgram Award at the recently held seventhannual Recycle Guys Awards Programsponsored by the S.C. Department of Healthand Environmental Control (DHEC).

Previously, the facility, which is acollaborative effort of the county’s solidwaste department and water and sewerdistrict, was honored with the 2001Governor’s Pollution Prevention Award.

“The recognition for Georgetown County’scomposting facility has come from doing things theright way - not necessarily the easy way,” said JoanWilliams, composting project manager of DHEC’sOffice of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling. “In theend, their approach paid off with a quality product.”

The facility has diverted 2,842 tons of yard waste fromits landfill, according to technical advisor GenevieveGadsden. In addition, it has generated nearly 590 tons

DHEC Commissioner C. Earl Hunter presents Georgetown County CompostingFacility staff with the award for Best Composting Program. From left are JeffSmalls, Hunter, Lin Wisikoski, Levi Dickerson and Cynthia Geathers.

of marketable compost that was either sold toresidents or provided to local government offices foruse in their landscaping.

The facility mixes ground yard waste and wastewatersludge. The mixture is windrowed and eventuallytransforms into a material that is sold to the public for$25 per ton. Thanks to many hours of research andtesting, the facility produces a high-grade, desirablesoil amendment.

“We were very thrilled to receive the Recycle GuysAward,” said Georgetown County’s EnvironmentalSuperintendent Lin Wisikoski. “Even before I camehere the employees had put a lot of effort into thefacility. The operators have gone through all thetraining. They really care about what they are doingand are eager to share information with the customers.We are all proud to be recognized in this way formaking a great product.”

For more information on thespecifics of GeorgetownCounty’s CompostingFacility, check out the Fall2001 issue of “SouthCarolina RecyclesMagazine” atwww.scdhec.net/recycle.

participated in America Recycles Day and EarthDay activities and has an environmental clubcalled the Planet Protectors. The school won$1,000 to buy school supplies and 100,000sheets of recycled content paper – both courtesyof International Paper. There were four runners-up with each school receiving 25,000 sheets ofrecycled content paper: Northside ElementarySchool in Rock Hill; Gold Hill Elementary Schoolin Fort Mill; Carolina Forest Middle School inConway; and Oakview Elementary School inSimpsonville.

Richard Chesley is manager of the educationand technical assistance section of DHEC’sOffice of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling.

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SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINEW

innersMost Creative Recycling Effort Award presented

to Housing Authority of the City of Greenville

Representatives from The Housing Authority of the City of Greenville accept their awardfor Most Creative Recycling Effort from DHEC Commissioner C. Earl Hunter. Picturedfrom left are Dale Johnson, Hunter, Mary Blackstone-Ross and Cindy Gwinn.

By Karen Owens

The Housing Authority of the City ofGreenville, which saved nearly$2 million in a deconstruction ofantiquated housing apartments, waspresented the Most Creative RecyclingEffort Award at the recent RecycleGuys Awards Program sponsored bythe S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control’s (DHEC) Officeof Solid Waste Reduction andRecycling (Office).

The housing authority was recognizedfor finding ways to recycle and reusebuilding materials as well as non-structural items such as appliances,cabinetry, windows, doors, hardware/fixtures and hardwood flooring. Thesematerials were either reused at other housing authorityconstruction sites or resold to outside markets togenerate program income for the housing authority.

This careful deconstruction process saved the City ofGreenville more than $870,000 in landfill disposal feesand by reusing recovered building materials within theagency. In addition, the deconstruction process helpedthe housing authority reduce its projected demolitioncosts from $5 per square foot to $1.50 per square foot,saving another $1 million.

“We are pleased to congratulate The City ofGreenville’s Housing Authority for their efforts todivert tons of construction and demolition waste fromSouth Carolina’s landfills,” said William W. Culler,director of the Office. “This unique effort to recycle,reuse and market the deconstruction waste shouldserve as a role model for future construction efforts inour state.”

Karen Owens is assistant editor of “South CarolinaRecycles Magazine.”

DAODAS’ revitalized recycling program wins awardBy Pam Bergstrand

The S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other DrugAbuse Services (DAODAS) received the 2001 BestState Agency Recycling Program Award for itsoutstanding efforts to restart its recycling programafter moving into a new facility last year. According

to agency officials, the program is evenmore effective than before the move.

DAODAS kicked off its revitalizedrecycling program with a designatedrecycling day. Virginia Ervin, a

DAODAS employee, distributed information to staffthat explained the benefits of recycling as well ashelpful tips. This effort provided a positive boost thathas continued throughout the year. As a result, thereis 100 percent awareness of the recycling programamong staff.

“With our increased awareness efforts, we havetripled our recycling collection,” said HeywardSeymore, DAODAS recycling coordinator. “Staffhave responded well to the revitalized recyclingprogram. Each member of our agency takes pride in

See DAODAS, page 12

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DHEC, RMDAC honor Draexlmaier Automotivewith 2001 Best Industry Recycling Award

By Karen Owens

Draexlmaier Automotive of America, a supplier forBMW and Mercedes Benz, was named the BestIndustry Recycling Program Award winner for 2001 bythe S.C. Department of Health and EnvironmentalControl (DHEC) and the RecyclingMarket Development AdvisoryCouncil (RMDAC). The award,given at the seventh annualRecycle Guys Awards Program,recognizes the important rolebusinesses and industry play inreducing the amount of solidwaste going into our state’slandfills.

“We are very pleased with ourrecycling accomplishments fromlast year, going from zero to 70percent of our waste being recycled,” said Herman J.Vogel, plant manager of Draexlmaier. “This effort hasallowed us to achieve ISO 14001 certification, thus

setting the baseline for continuous environmentalimprovements for the total organization.”

Located in the Upstate, Draexlmaier produces adiverse product line, including leather, wood andplastic components. The plant includes an injectionmolding facility, a cutting department, a leatherlamination process and a wire harness distributionoperation.

Prior to 2001, the company was not actively involvedin recycling, except for efforts to recycle oil andwastewater from its glue operations. However, in amatter of months, the firm diverted nearly 75 percentof it waste stream for reuse and recycling, thanks inlarge part to an outstanding employee educationprogram.

Teaming up with Waste Management of SouthCarolina, Draexlmaier conducted a comprehensivewaste audit to determine what they were throwingaway and what could be potentially reused or recycled.The plant generated between 37 and 46 tons of waste

a month, but 85 to 90 percent of this wastequalified for the recycling and reclamationprogram.

The Waste Minimization Team members initiallyset a goal to recycle or reuse 50 percent of theirwaste and work towards increasing those amountsover time. They also agreed to target the highestvolume items first and incorporate other materialsat a later date. Since the materials varied sogreatly, they divided the program into five distinctareas: injection molding, cutting department,warehouse and shipping, leather lamination andthe office area.

In the injection molding area, five materials withhigh volumes were targeted along with runners,sprues and purged plastics for recycling. The teamalso recycled plastic bags andcorrugated cardboardGaylord containers. Apilot program toregrind one wastematerial for use inthe injectionmolding processhas unlimited

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Vogel

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SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINEW

innersCircle Environmental’s

waste reduction effortsrecognized by DHEC

Circle Environmental, Inc.,which developed a process toremove and refine oil fromabsorbent materials and thenclean the materials for reuse,was honored recently at theseventh annual Recycle GuysAwards Program sponsoredby the S.C. Department ofHealth and EnvironmentalControl (DHEC).

The company, founded byRichard Middleton in 1990, was given the BestWaste Reduction Award for this process thateliminated two waste streams by turning them intoreusable products. Not only can the absorbentmaterials be reused, the extracted oils can bereused as well, as a lubricant or source of fuel. Nowater is involved in the process or discharged.

“We are pleased to congratulate CircleEnvironmental, Inc. for their continuing efforts toreduce waste in South Carolina,” said William W.Culler, director of DHEC’s Office of Solid WasteReduction and Recycling, which is the coordinatorof the awards program. “With more than 40percent of the waste going into our state’s landfillscoming from the commercial sector, we applaudefforts by businesses like Circle Environmentalwho make a significant impact in our state byoffering environmentally friendly products that alsoprovide an economic benefit to their customers.”

Middleton, who developed the process, believedthere had to be a more environmentally friendlysolution to cleaning up spills. He began hisexperimentation using an old washing machine.The company buys absorbent materialsspecifically produced for it by another SouthCarolina company. The material is used tomanufacture Circle Environmental’s own line ofabsorbent socks and pillows as well as oil booms.

Currently, Middleton’s recycling and reuseprocess, which is in accordance the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency regulations,helps other companies save as much as half oftheir disposal costs.

potential for reclamation and additional cost-savingbenefits for Draexlmaier. Any remaining plastic pelletswere transferred to the Atlanta plastics market forresale.

In the cutting department, leather and vinyl scrapsalong with polyester fleece and foam materials wererecycled. Leather scrap from full hides comprised12 percent of the department’s waste, but by sending itto Asia for use in belts, moccasin laces and otherapparel, Draexlmaier experienced a significant wastereduction. Polyester fleece was recycled back into theconsumer market for use in clothing and other fabricitems.

The warehouse and shipping area was another largecontributor to Draexlmaier’s waste stream. Big wasteitems included cardboard, shrink wrap, bubble wrap,brown paper, plastic straps and wood pallets and allare now recycled. The team converts unusable woodpallets for mulch in the summer months and boiler fuelin the winter, and it has implemented the use ofreturnable containers in their shipping department.

In the office area, recycling collection centers existthroughout the facility for aluminum cans, plastic softdrink bottles, white office paper, mixed office paper,electronic equipment, batteries, fluorescent tubes andprinter cartridges. The plant also banned Styrofoamcups and requires employees and guests to useceramic cups for hot beverages, further reducingwaste.

As a result of Draexlmaier’s aggressive approach, thecompany has realized significant savings in disposalcosts. It also has passed the initial phase of ISO14001 certification and plans continuousimprovements for 2002 to further increase wastereduction.

“We plan to continue looking for additionalopportunities to recycle and reduce otherenvironmental impacts that we can control,” Vogeladded. “Items such as electrical usage, water usageand air pollution are all areas that the Draexlmaierteam is focused on to reduce in order to help ouroverall environment.”

Having accomplished this mammoth task in just fivemonths, the employees of Draexlmaier Automotivehave developed an exemplary program that is a model

for other South Carolina manufacturersand businesses.

Karen Owens is manager of theS.C. Business Recycling

Assistance Program.

Middleton

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DAODAS, continued from page 9

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By Gregg Glymph

York County received the Best Local GovernmentEducation/Awareness Program Award during theseventh annual Recycle Guys Awards Programsponsored by the S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control (DHEC).

“We believe education is the key to a successful(recycling) program,” said Leslie Hatchell, YorkCounty’s recycling coordinator. “We use education topromote waste reduction and recycling in as manyways as possible.”

Among these education efforts, York County’sRecycling Education and Awareness Program staffmade presentations to community, church and civicgroups throughout the county. About 400 residentsattended 10 of these presentations during the year andreceived information about the various locations and

types of recyclables collected at York County’s 16convenience centers.

Staff also spoke to about 700 area school children,encouraging them to recycle in their homes and atschool. Lessons from DHEC’s “Action for a cleanertomorrow: A South Carolina Environmental CurriculumSupplement” were used to stress the importance ofrecycling, reducing waste and buying recycled. Morethan 1,200 teachers and students toured localconvenience centers and saw firsthand the impactthey can make in their own community.

York County’s Education and Awareness Program alsohelped several schools in Clover, Fort Mill and York setup and maintain their own recycling programs. Staffprovided the schools with assistance in applying forrecycling grants available from DHEC’s Office of SolidWaste Reduction and Recycling. York County thenhelped the schools set up contacts to maintain theirrecycling programs.

Staff sponsored exhibits about buying recycledproducts, reducing litter and recycling in the county atthe York County Health Fair and two Earth Day events.The staff also sponsored special events to promoteEarth Day and America Recycles Day in partnershipwith Rock Hill Clean & Green.

America Recycles Day challenge cards weredistributed at events and presentations in York Countythroughout the year. By completing a challenge card,residents pledged to recycle more and buy productsmade from recycled materials whenever possible, andin return, were eligible to win prizes. Through theefforts of its education and awareness program, YorkCounty with Rock Hill Clean & Green collected about12,000 challenge cards, accounting for about one-thirdof all the cards collected statewide in 2001.

“It’s been a phenomenal year and this award really isthe icing on the cake,” Hatchelladded. “It’s always great to berecognized for the work youdo and we reallyappreciate this award.”

Gregg Glymph iseditor of “SouthCarolina RecyclesMagazine.”

York County wins Best Local GovernmentEducation/Awareness Program Award

Seymore

our recycling programbecause it helps stimulateteamwork and provides amuch-needed reinvestment ofour resources.”

In addition to its new easy-to-use containers, DAODAS hasimplemented the followingcomponents to its recyclingprogram:

● The procurement section has includedrecycling information as part of its trainingefforts for new employees;

● The agency purchases recycled paper fordaily copying and printing and uses recyclablenote pads, sticky notes and file folders; and

● Employees are encouraged to bring their owncoffee cup to work to reduce waste.

Pam Bergstrand is the project manager forDHEC’s Waste Reduction and Recycling Policy.

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By Richard Chesley

Myra Reece, director ofthe Lower SavannahEnvironmental QualityControl District (EQC),was given the DistrictAward for Excellence atthe recent Recycle GuysAwards Program held bythe S.C. Department ofHealth and EnvironmentalControl (DHEC).

Reece was recognized forher long-standingcommitment toenvironmental educationand customer service.

“Myra always strives tomake sure that her officeprovides the best possibleservice to the people living in her communities,” saidRobert W. King, EQC assistant deputy commissioner.

Reece recently became chair of the EQC OutreachWork Group which has developed several keyprojects, including an annual telecast on SouthCarolina ETV celebrating Earth Day, a bookletcontaining information on all of EQC’s outreachprograms and an Earth Camp that will be held thissummer.

“She believes that the agency outreach efforts play animportant role in reaching the public in a meaningfuland positive way,” King said. “Whenever outreachopportunities happen, Myra enjoys getting involvedand encourages her staff to get involved and volunteerfor events outside their regular duties.”

Under her leadership, Lower SavannahEQC District has been involved innumerous community projects. Thedistrict assisted DHEC’s Bureau ofAir Quality in organizing an OzoneAwareness Kickoff for local

businesses to promote

Lower Savannah’s Reece receives2001 District Award for Excellence

ozone awareness andforecasting, upcomingregulations and tips forstarting an ozone outreachawareness program foremployees.

District staff went to areaschools to support theannual Earth Day telecaston South Carolina ETV,answering questions forstudents. Last year, 12staff members volunteeredto be in schools during thetelecast and answeredquestions for more than600 students.

Other staff helped with theEarth Day celebration atSavannah River Site(SRS), setting up a display

to promote, in particular, waste minimization and thedistrict’s non-regulatory Environmental Surveillanceand Oversight Monitoring Program. This eventreached more than 1,000 SRS employees.

Staff also assisted SRS with an America Recycles Daycelebration in November. One of the promotions wasthe creation of an American flag out of aluminum cans.Staff helped with other projects including the Universityof South Carolina at Aiken Education Enrichment Dayand the Aiken County Fair.

“Myra believes in DHEC’s mission and views thedistrict office as the front line of the agency,” King said.“The district’s efforts through outreach and directcommunication with the public provides us with one ofthe best opportunities to promote the agency and ourservices.”

Reece has a degree in microbiology from ClemsonUniversity and a master’s degree in public health withan emphasis on hazardous materials managementfrom the University of South Carolina. She was the

Winners

Robert W. King, assistant deputy commissioner for DHEC’sEnvironmental Quality Control, congratulates Myra Reece forreceiving the 2001 District Award for Excellence.

See Reece, page 15

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inne

rsSantee Cooper honored for successof GOFER used oil recycling programBy Richard Chesley

Santee Cooper was giventhe Outstanding AchievementAward for its Give Oil ForEnergy Recovery or GOFERprogram at the seventhannual Recycle Guys AwardsProgram sponsored by theS.C. Department of Healthand Environmental Control(DHEC).

Santee Cooper establishedits used oil recycling programin July 1990 targeting do-it-yourself oil changers(DIYers) and in the first yearcollected about 3,000 gallonsof used oil from eight LowCountry and Midlandslocations. More than 10years later, the GOFERprogram has collected more than 10 million gallons ofused oil.

“The success of the GOFER program can bemeasured in many ways, but providing a place wheredo-it-yourself oil changers can properly dispose theirused oil, protect our environment and help SanteeCooper’s bottom line is hard to top,” said William W.Culler, director of DHEC’s Office of Solid WasteReduction and Recycling (Office), which sponsors theRecycle Guys Awards Program. “This is a wonderfulcomprehensive program developed here in SouthCarolina that often serves as a model for other states.

“Remember that one gallon of used oil that isimproperly disposed down a storm drain or in a streamhas the potential to contaminate 1 million gallons ofwater,” Culler said. “The importance of the GOFERprogram should be clear to everyone.”

Santee Cooper, which has always provided its used oilcollection program at no cost to customers, began toexpand the program statewide in 1991 through thecooperation of local, state and federal governmentagencies. The GOFER program expanded again inconjunction with the development of the S.C. Used Oil

Partnership. As a partner, theOffice provided grant fundingto local governments to setup used oil collection centersthroughout the state.Currently, there are morethan 650 used oil collectioncenters for DIYers throughoutSouth Carolina.

Since then, Santee Cooperhas added programs tocollect used oil fromcommercial and industrialsources as well as militaryinstallations, farmers andresidential customers.

Santee Cooper burns theused oil to generateelectricity at its JefferiesGenerating Station in MoncksCorner. The 10 million

gallons of used oil collected to date has providedelectricity to power 1,000 average-sized homes for10 years.

“The GOFER program is an excellent example of howlarge companies have promoted environmentalstewardship and saved money at the same time,”Culler said. Santee Cooper estimates it will saveabout $1 million this year alone by burning used oilrather than buying No. 6 fuel. This has helped theutility maintain some of the lowest energy rates in thenation.

The GOFER program’s educational efforts areexemplary. Thousands of South Carolina childrenknow the GOFER mascot who promotes theimportance of recycling, how to recycle used oil andenvironmental stewardship.

Richard Chesley is managerof the education andtechnical assistancesection of DHEC’sOffice of Solid WasteReduction andRecycling.

Frank Coffey (right) with Santee Cooper accepts the RecycleGuys Outstanding Achievement Award from DHECCommissioner C. Earl Hunter.

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By Richard Chesley

The S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control’s (DHEC)Office of Solid Waste Reduction andRecycling (Office) has been awardeda 2002 Community Pride Grant fromPalmettoPride: The Governor’s Council onBeautification and Litter.

The $7,500 grant will be used to expand a uniqueeducation program targeting high school drivereducation classes throughoutthe state. The Green DriverProject makes the state’snewest drivers aware of theenvironmental responsibilitiesand consequences of driving,including recycling used oil,energy conservation and a newlitter education component.

“PalmettoPride’s grant will allow usto do more presentations at highschools across the state and reachmore students,” said William W. Culler,director of the Office. “This is a perfect fit - we will beable to reach the state’s newest drivers and help instillin them a lifetime respect for our beautiful environmentand natural resources as well as South Carolina’s litterlaws and fines.”

DHEC’s grant was oneof eight CommunityPride Grants awarded inRichland and Lexingtoncounties. CommunityPride Grants assist avariety of groups indeveloping county-wideclean-ups andbeautification projects,implementing

educational leadership and anti-litter programs andcreating a landscape design plan to furtherbeautification efforts. Statewide, 68 organizations

received the competitive grants,totaling more than $375,000.

Presenting the awards toMidlands’ grant recipients wereRep. Jim Harrison and Rep. JoeBrown. Louie the Lion,PalmettoPride’s new mascot,also was present for the awardsceremony held at the Greater

Columbia Chamber ofCommerce.

Created in 1999, PalmettoPride iscommitted to the eradication of litter

and promotion of beautification ofSouth Carolina through awareness, enforcement andeducation resulting in behavioral change.

“PalmettoPride is off to a wonderful start and we arehonored to be part of their effort,” Culler said. “We lookforward to a long partnership.”

Reece, continued from page 13

DHEC receives PalmettoPride grant targetinghigh school driver education classes

recipient of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Fellowship and recentlyobtained professional certification as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager(CHMM) and completed the University of North Carolina’s ManagementAcademy for Public Health Officials.

Reece joined DHEC in 1985 as the Lower Savannah EQC District laboratorymanager. In 1998, she became the district’s air section manager and in 1991became district director. She was named EQC Management Employee of theYear in 1995. Reece, a native of Edgefield County, is married and has two sons.

Richard Chesley is manager of the education and technical assistance sectionof DHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling.

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PalmettoPride unveils new mascot to promoteSouth Carolina litter prevention efforts

By Karen Owens

PalmettoPride: The Governor’s Council onBeautification and Litter, recently unveiled its newmascot, Louie the Lion, as part of its on-goingoutreach efforts to promote litter prevention in SouthCarolina. The mascot is named in honor of theUniversity of South Carolina’s head football coach,Lou Holtz, who has been an outspoken opponent ofroadside litter in the state since his arrival in 1999.

Holtz’s comments regarding South Carolina residents’lack of pride in the state as witnessed by the largeamounts of trash he had seen along the state’sroadways prompted Governor Jim Hodges andnumerous legislators to take action. They createdPalmettoPride: The Governor’s Council onBeautification and Litter, and charged the organizationto educate South Carolinians about the importance ofdisposing trash properly.

At the press conference announcing the new mascot,Governor Hodges thanked Holtz for his contributionsto making South Carolina a more beautiful place tolive.

“The more I’ve come to know him, the more I’ve seenhim work, the better I understand that that’s whatCoach Holtz does – he turns problems into solutions,individuals into teams, losers into winners,” Hodgessaid. “He’s done it with the Gamecocks. And he’s beenthe inspiration behind that same kind of transformationfor our whole state through PalmettoPride.”

According to PalmettoPride, Louie (nicknamed theKing of Clean) is a regal lion who symbolizes thestate’s relentless and on-going fight against litter. Hewears a royal blue robe with the slogan “Join thePride” and a crown atop his head. He also carries ajeweled litter scepter and a bright green trash bag thatsays, “Litter Trashes Everyone.” Louie will travel thestate visiting schools and attending community eventsto spread the message of anti-litter efforts around thestate.

Several hundred business and community leaders,state legislators and supporters of anti-litter effortsattended the PalmettoPride press conference andreception. In addition to being honored by the governor

and Sen. David Thomas, chair of PalmettoPride,television celebrity Regis Philbin congratulated Holtz ina video presentation during the reception. DukeEnergy, Verizon and Waste Management sponsoredthe event.

To learn more about PalmettoPride and its efforts toeradicate litter and promote beautification, call KellyCarver-Melvin at (803) 758-6034. The organization isinvolved in numerous efforts that focus on four areasof concern: awareness, education, enforcement andpick-up. The group has stepped up anti-littercampaigns in the state and initiatedmany new programs that willincrease clean-up efforts.

Karen Owens isassistant editor of“South CarolinaRecycles Magazine.”

Louie the Lion, PalmettoPride’s new litter prevention mascot, greetshis namesake, the University of South Carolina’s head footballcoach Lou Holtz, during a press conference in February.

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Energy 2 Learn, a one-day workshop for K-12teachers, is back, but with a new twist, including newclassroom materials and, of course, new prizes. Thefifth annual workshop, set for June 26, 2002 inColumbia, will feature the latest edition of “Action for acleaner tomorrow: A South Carolina EnvironmentalCurriculum Supplement” (“Action”). In addition, theworkshop will have the latest on energy education inthe classroom, including updates on the new PalmettoEnergy Awards Program (PEAP) and the NationalEnergy Education Development Project (NEED).

WHAT’S NEW? The workshop will feature thepremiere of the second edition of the “Science FairProject Guidebook” with special sessions on Love ATree South Carolina and teacher grants as well as airand water lessons. The new Green Driver Project alsowill be introduced. Workshop participants will receive acopy of the new “Action” CD-ROM, classroommaterials, promotional items (T-shirts and tote bags)and products made from recycled content materialsand opportunities to win many prizes.

S.C. ENERGY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: Do youknow an outstanding South Carolina teacher whopromotes energy education in his/her classroom andcommunity? If so, nominate him/her for the S.C.Energy Educator of the Year Award. E-mail his/hername, address, telephone number and school namewith your phone number to [email protected] or call 1-800-851-8899. Thenominees will receive an application packet tocomplete and return. The winner will receive funding toattend a national NEED Conference (valued at $800),

Energy 2 Learn: The Summer Workshop returnsa NEED Energy Kit (a $400 value) and for schoolssupplies and teaching materials (valued at $300). Thenomination deadline is May 10, 2002.

NEED CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIPS: Severalscholarships will be available for teachers to attend thenational NEED Conference in Charleston, S.C. on July20-24. To apply for a scholarship valued at more than$800, submit an essay (not to exceed four pages)answering the following questions:

1. Why do you want to attend the NEEDConference?

2. What energy education lessons or projects areyou currently using in your classroom?

3. How would the information learned andexperience gained at the conference benefit youand your students in the classroom?

E-mail your entry to [email protected] or mail it toUnique Promotions, 2566 Colebrook Dr., Rock Hill, SC29732. The deadline for entries is May 10, 2002.

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION: To register forEnergy 2 Learn: The Summer Workshop, pleasecomplete the form below and fax it to (803) 366-2607.You also can mail it to Unique Promotions, 2566Colebrook Dr., Rock Hill, SC 29732. The workshopis limited to 200 teachers. The deadline to registeris May 15, 2002 or when 200 teachers haveregistered. If you have any questions, please call1-800-326-2630.

ENERGY 2 LEARN WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FORM

Teacher’s Name: ______________________________ Social Security Number:* ______________________

School Name: __________________________________________ Grade Level: ______________________

School Telephone Number: _________________________________________________________________

School Address: _________________________________________________________________________

Home Address: __________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________________ State: ____________Zip: _______________

Home Phone:______________________ E-mail Address: ______________________

Have you previously attended an Energy 2 Learn Summer Workshop? ❏ Yes ❏ No

*Social Security Numbers will be kept confidential and are needed to provide lunches for participants.

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Earth Day USA telecast to airnationally April 18 on PBS

Be sure to mark your calendars for April 18, 2002. Earth Day USA2002, the third annual Earth Day television program, will air statewideon all South Carolina ETV stations and nationwide on PBS stations.The program which airs from 1 - 1:30 p.m. will highlight variousenvironmental issues including energy conservation, air quality, waterquality, recycling, composting, hybrid vehicles and coastal issues. Thisyear’s program features students leading the discussion.

Teachers will be able to download pre- and post-tests from the EarthDay Web site, www.scdhec.net/earthday. Satellite coordinates forthe program will be available on the Web site after April 1.

Earth Day events scheduled in South CarolinaThe following is a listing ofupcoming South Carolina EarthDay celebrations. Times and datesare subject to change. Please callthe telephone numbers or visit theWeb addresses listed for the mostcurrent information.

MARCH 30, 2002Earth Day Alleyway

at Kids’ Day ColumbiaFinlay Park, Columbia

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Come celebrate Earth Day. Learnabout air, land, water, energy,recycling and more. See theRecycle Guys and PalmettoPride’sLouie the Lion. There will be lots offun environmental games andactivities. Fill your Earth Day

passport and win prizes.Sponsored by DHEC, Keep theMidlands Beautiful, Paper StockDealers, S.C. ForestryCommission, U.S. Postal Service(Greater S.C. Cluster), S.C.Energy Office, WasteManagement, Richland Countyand others.

APRIL 13, 2002The Pickens County Trash Bash

– An Earth Celebration!National Guard Armory,

107 Rockmont Road, Easley9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Pickens County Beautificationand Environmental AdvisoryCommittee is hosting an EarthCelebration on April 13 at the

National Guard Armory in Easley.There will be fun, interactive,educational events throughout theday — providing a vehicle to raisepublic awareness pertaining to theenvironment with an emphasis onlitter.

“Clean It Up,” “Fix It Up” and “KeepIt Up” are the event exhibitorcategories. Exhibitors will providefun activities designed to share anenvironmental message thatrelates to litter, solid waste andbeautification. Each event visitorwill be given a passport to bestamped at each booth. A well-traveled passport will earnincentives at the end of thejourney.

Participants include the SierraClub, Pickens County Recycling,Clemson University ExtensionService, state and localenvironmental law enforcementofficers, South Carolina Adopt-A-Highway and many others.Scheduled events include a puppetshow, composting demonstrations,story time and a visit from theRecycle Guys.

DIRECTIONS: From Easley, takeS.C. Hwy. 123 south towardClemson. Take the Liberty/Norrisexit to Ross Avenue. Turn left ontoRoss Avenue. The Armory will beon your left just before Skate-A-Round.

DID YOU KNOW? The first Earth Daywas celebrated on April 22, 1970.

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SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLES MAGAZINEEducationEducationEducationEducationEducation

DHEC, SRS, North Augusta set Kids’ Earth Day for April 27

You’ve heard of Earth Day. Now get ready for Kids’ Earth Day. Theevent, which takes place Saturday, April 27 at Lions Field in NorthAugusta from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., offers plenty of fun, educationalactivities for kids and parents alike.

A joint venture between the Savannah River Site (SRS) PollutionPrevention Team, the S.C. Department of Health and EnvironmentalControl (DHEC) and the City of North Augusta, the focus of Kids’Earth Day is on the environment, with a special emphasis onincorporating hands-on activities for the kids. Educational exhibits,animals, tree planting and many more attractions promise to makethis a special Saturday by promoting messages of environmentalstewardship and resource conservation.

Event organizers are still looking for volunteers to help with this event.Local interested parties should contact Sarita Berry with the SRSPollution Prevention Team at (803) 557-8124, Kim Newell with DHECat (803) 641-7670 or Jeremy Jiunnies with the City of North Augustaat (803) 441-4305.

APRIL 13, 2002Environmental Awareness

CompetitionRiverbanks Zoo, Columbia

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Each year South Carolina’s sixth-,seventh- and eighth-gradestudents are invited to show theirenvironmental knowledge duringthe annual South CarolinaEnvironmental AwarenessCompetition in the EducationBuilding and Amphitheater ofRiverbanks Zoological Park andBotanical Garden in Columbia.This competition is sponsored byDHEC’s Champions of theEnvironment program.

APRIL 18, 2002Earth Day USA TV ShowPBS Television Stations

1 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Earth Day USA TV showis an environmental workshopfor K-12 students focusing onenvironmental issues. Theprogram will air on PBS stationsacross the country and on SouthCarolina ETV. Teachers candownload a pre- and post-test,correlated to national sciencestandards, from the Earth DayUSA Web site (www.scdhec.net/earthday).

APRIL 19, 2002Baby Animal / Earth Day

CelebrationPlaycard Environmental Center,

Loris10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Horry County School Districthas put together a festival aimed atbringing environmental awarenessto primary and elementary agedstudents. There will be a variety of

activities and eventsto educate andexcite children.

APRIL 19, 2002Earth Day Awareness

Coastal Carolina University, Horry10 a.m. – 3 p .m.

The Coastal Carolina University’sStudents for Environmental Action(SEA) club showcases all of theongoing environmental projectsavailable. Students will be shownhow they can make a difference in“Protecting Tomorrow’sEnvironment Today.” Events willtake place on Prince Lawnthroughout the day.

APRIL 20, 2002Earth Day BirthdayWellford Solid Waste

Management Facility (Landfill),Spartanburg County

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

This family event is free, fun andeducational. Games, prizes andfood will be on hand. All activitiesare fun and educational, coveringtopics including landfills, recycling,

pollution, litter, rain forests andendangered species. Toparticipate, please call (864) 949-0211 or e-mail, [email protected] by April 17.

DIRECTIONS: The landfill islocated on Little Mountain Road offHighway 292, between Lyman andInman.

APRIL 20, 2002Earth Day Festival

Hampton Park, Charleston11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rain or shine)

The festival is hosted byCharleston County Solid Waste,working in conjunction with the Cityof Charleston (Clean City SweepCommission & RecreationDepartment’s Division ofEnvironmental Education), the Cityof North Charleston, Adopt-A-Highway, Community Pride,MUSC, the Clemson Extension,

See Schedule, page 23

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Are you ready for ozone season?By Amy Curran

Beginning in May, the S.C. Department of Health and EnvironmentalControl’s (DHEC) Bureau of Air Quality will start its annual monitoring ofground-level ozone through the end of September. This five-monthperiod, often referred to as ozone season, is the time of year whenconditions are favorable for ground-level ozone to be formed. With risingtemperatures and increased traffic, ozone levels can pose seriousthreats to human health if they are high.

What does it all mean? There are two types of ozone. “Good” ozone isup high in the stratosphere and protects us from the sun’s harmful rays.The ground-level ozone, or “bad” ozone, is located in the troposphereand poses a threat when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compoundsreact in the presence of sunlight and heat. Sources of nitrogen oxidesinclude cars, trucks and industry, which emit pollutants when fossil fuelsare burned. Examples of volatile organic compounds include naturalsources such as pine trees as well as vapors emitted from paints, gluesand solvents. The largest contributors to ground-level ozone in SouthCarolina are cars and trucks.

Why should you be concerned? Potential human health risks are thegreatest cause for concern. When the ground-level ozone concentrationis high, it can cause eye irritation, headaches, sore throats, shortness ofbreath, wheezing and coughing. Children and people with pre-existinglung diseases, such as emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchitis, areespecially sensitive to high concentrations of ground-level ozone.However, anyone working or exercising outside may be affected by highozone levels.

Secondly, ground-level ozone has a negative effect on the environment.In fact, it’s responsible for a $1-to-$2 billion reduction in crop yield in theUnited States every year. Ground-level ozone interferes with plants’ability to produce and store food, making them more susceptible todisease, insects, other pollutants and harsh weather.

How can you find out today’s forecast? Check out the latest ozoneforecast at DHEC’s Web site — www.scdhec.net/baq/ozone. Availablefrom May 1 through September 30, the ozone forecast also provides anAir Quality Index (AQI) scale that displays information on index values,descriptions of what the values mean, and precautionary measures thatpeople can take on days when concentrations are high. Statewide mediaalso provide the ozone forecast.

For more information about ground-levelozone, contact DHEC’s Bureau of Air Qualityat (803) 898-4297.

Amy Curran is the environmentaleducator for DHEC’s Bureau of AirQuality.

Ways to ReduceAir Pollution

1. Carpool.

2. Ride a bike or walk.

3. Shop by phone or theInternet.

4. Ride public transit whenpossible.

5. When driving, use the cruisecontrol and obey postedspeed limits.

6. Don’t top off the gas tankand refuel after 6 p.m.

7. Replace your car’s air filterregularly.

8. Keep car tires properlyinflated.

9. Use water-based paints andadhesives labeled zeroVOCs.

10. Paint with a brush instead ofa sprayer.

11. Use non-gas powered lawnequipment.

12. Turn off the lights when youleave the room.

13. Properly insulate yourhome.

14. Microwave small meals.

15. Use energy efficientappliances.

16. Turn off the water whenbrushing your teeth.

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Earth Camp set for July 17-20 at Camp Long

Appalachia II EQC Districtgoes ‘back to school’

to promote environmentBy Paula Fowler and Ann Brodie

Staff from the S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control’s (DHEC) Appalachia IIEnvironmental Quality Control (EQC) Districthelped promote America Recycles Day by visitingGreenville-area schools to promote the importanceof recycling. As part of the presentation, staff usedvideo tapes of the Recycle Guys television publicservice announcement (PSA) campaign. Studentswere shown the PSAs in segments and thenresponded to questions related to the videos forprizes.

Science teachers in the area have welcomedDHEC into their classrooms to re-enforce howrecycling contributes to the environment. Thisoutreach effort was part of the district’s on-goingefforts to promote recycling to students in thefourth through sixth grades.

Recently, the recycling coordinators in theAppalachia II office decided to expand theireducational efforts beyond America Recycles Dayand Earth Day to include monthly presentations tostudents in Greenville and Pickens counties. InDecember, district staff made a presentation tospecial needs students in Pickens County. Theyhope this expanded outreach effort will encourageyoung people to be more concerned withpreserving the environment.

Paula Fowler and Ann Brodie work for DHEC’sAppalachia II Environmental Quality ControlDistrict.

By Donna Bowman

This summer, the S.C. Department of Health andEnvironmental Control (DHEC) and InternationalPaper will sponsor an environmental camp for risingfifth- and sixth-graders at Camp Long in Aiken. EarthCamp, a four-day event, is scheduled for July 17-20,and activities will stress environmental awareness andeducation.

In addition to learning more about air, water, land andenergy issues, the campers also will enjoy swimming,horseback riding, volleyball and a ropes course.

Applications for Earth Camp weredistributed to elementary schoolsstatewide in early February.Each of DHEC’s 12Environmental QualityControl District Offices willsponsor four campersfrom their area, thusproviding children fromall over the state anopportunity toparticipate in thiseducational campingexperience.

“Earth Camp buildson our ongoingefforts to reach out tostudents withmessages aboutprotecting theenvironment,” said WilliamW. Culler, director of DHEC’sOffice of Solid Waste Reductionand Recycling. “We’re pleased toteam up once again with the folks atInternational Paper and we hope Earth Camp willbecome an annual event.”

International Paper also sponsors the Love A TreeSouth Carolina educational program that promotespaper recycling and forestry conservation.

Donna Bowman is Earth Campcoordinator for DHEC’s Office ofSolid Waste Reduction andRecycling.

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Counties namenew recycling

coordinators, staffSharon Bickett is the new recycling coordinatorand education specialist for Chester County. Shecan be reached at (803) 581-4831.

Vickie Williams has beenhired as the new recyclingcoordinator for GreenvilleCounty. She previouslyserved as the recyclingcoordinator for the City ofGreenville. Williams can bereached at (864) 234-5781or by e-mail at [email protected].

Bobby Banks has beenhired as the new solid waste/recycling generalmanager for Richland County. Banks previouslyworked with DHEC’s Facility EngineeringSection of the Division of Mining and SolidWaste Management. He can be reached at(803) 735-7313 or by e-mail at [email protected].

Jim Minor has been hired as the newsuperintendent for Beaufort County Solid Wasteand Recycling. A retired Air NationalGuardsman, Minor began his new position inMarch. Minor can be reached at (843) 846-3910.

Gary Jones, interim recycling coordinator forBeaufort County, recently was appointed as theforeman and litter officer for the county.

DHEC’s Storey electedto America Recycles Day

Board of DirectorsBy Gregg Glymph

Holly Storey, co-chairperson forthe America Recycles Day (ARD)Steering Committee in SouthCarolina, recently was elected toserve on the National ARD Boardof Directors. She also serves asthe S.C. Department of Healthand Environmental Control’s(DHEC) representative for thestate steering committee and is aprogram coordinator with DHEC’sOffice of Solid Waste Reductionand Recycling.

Storey was one of two new board members elected byARD coordinators from across the country. As an ARDboard member, she will represent other statecoordinators for a one-year term beginning March 30,2002. Only two state representatives are elected eachyear to serve on the National ARD Board. Theremaining board members represent each of thenational sponsors.

“I’m thrilled by the opportunity to serve South Carolinaon a national level,” Storey said. “During the ARDnational conference in January, I had an opportunity tomeet other state coordinators, discuss strategies andreview the successes of past ARD events. I’m lookingforward to working with this group during my term as aboard member.”

For more information about America Recycles Dayand for a list of upcoming ARD events in yourcommunity, visit www.americarecyclesday.org,www.scdhec.net/recycle or call 1-800-768-7348.

Gregg Glymph is editor of“South Carolina RecyclesMagazine.”

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‘Action for a cleaner tomorrow!’Looking for fun and informative environmentallessons for your classroom? Check out theS.C. Department of Health and EnvironmentalControl’s “Action for a cleaner tomorrow: ASouth Carolina Environmental CurriculumSupplement.” To attend a training workshop,call 1-800-768-7348.

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Schedule, continued from page 19Clemson, continued from page 6

DID YOU KNOW? The Universityof South Carolina and FurmanUniversity were co-winners of lastyear’s Best College or UniversityRecycling Program Award.

DID YOU KNOW? At therequest of students, ClemsonUniversity began recyclingaluminum cans, glass andplastic bottles during itsfootball games.

Commissioners of Public Works and DHEC. Therewill be educational exhibits, music, entertainment,refreshments, composting demonstrations and acomposter truckload sale (a retail value of $69-89,on sale for just $35).

APRIL 27, 2002Earth Day Birthday

Museum of York County, York10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The 13th annual Earth Day Birthday celebrationpromises environmental learning and fun for allages. The event will include hands-on activities,demonstrations, learning exhibits, planetariumshows, a trash sculpture contest exhibit, music,food and more. The event is free, except for food.Earth Day Birthday is sponsored by Rock HillClean & Green. For details, contact Ann Terry at(803) 329-7027 or [email protected].

APRIL 27, 2002Kids’ Day Earth Day 2002Lions Field, North Augusta

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Kids’ Day Earth Day 2002 will be held at LionsField in North Augusta on April 27. Come and seethe exhibits, participate in activities and visit withSmokey the Bear, Aluminum Can Guy and PlasticBottle Guy of the Recycle Guys. Concessions willbe available.

APRIL 27, 2002Earth Day Irmo

Irmo County Library, Irmo10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Irmo will be hosting at its second annual Earth DayIrmo celebration on Saturday, April 27 from10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Families are invited to theHabitat Garden at the Irmo Branch Library on St.Andrew’s Road to enjoy the festivities includingenvironmental learning stations, story-telling,games, music and snacks. Everything is free, butplease bring a sightly used book to donate to thelibrary. The event is sponsored by the LakeMurray/Irmo Woman’s Club, Friends of the IrmoLibrary and the Irmo/Chapin RecreationCommission. Local clubs, agencies, schools orcommunity groups that would like to participatecontact Jane Hiller at (803) 781-8239 [email protected].

Another benefit of the Residence Hall RecyclingProgram is the production of a “Residence HallRecycling Guide” that is being written by the recyclingand housing staff. The guide is intended for use by thehousing staff of other colleges and universities whowish to begin a recycling program.

More waste and recyclables are generated at thebeginning and end of each semester. In response tothis, the recycling department takes part in a Move-Inand Move-Out Recycling Initiative that is co-sponsoredby the housing department and student government.The Move-In Recycling Initiative, which has been inplace for about six years, has successfully collectednearly 12 tons of cardboard. The Move-Out RecyclingInitiative has had similar success and often results inthe recycling of items not normally collected by thedepartment such as clothing, bedding, carpet andcanned food.

Clemson also collectsyard waste and has acomposting program.This material isprocessed by therecycling departmentstaff and the resultingmulch and compost is used by landscape services tonourish and beautify the 750-acre main campus, theadjacent 250-acre S.C. Botanical Garden and the 10-acre Calhoun Fields sustainable agricultural teaching,research and demonstration garden.

The 15 acres adjoining the university’s recreationalforest have been reclaimed by using construction anddemolition waste to fill in badly eroded areas. Thereclaimed area is now part of a recreation area thatincludes hiking and horseback trails.

To learn more about its recycling efforts, visit ClemsonUniversity’s Web site at www.clemson.edu.

Holly Storey is co-chairperson of the AmericaRecycles Day in South Carolina Steering Committeeand serves as a program coordinator for DHEC’sOffice of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling.

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DHEC’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling2600 Bull StreetColumbia, SC 29201-1708

PRSRT STDP A I D

Columbia, SCPermit #939

Recycling Coordinator of the Year1995 Linda Slater, Charleston County1996 Leslie Hatchell, York County1997 Barbara O’Connell, City of Rock Hill1998 Melissa Grant, Greenville County1999 Leslie Hatchell, York County2000 Annette Harmon, Berkeley County

Recycling Teacher of the Year1995 Pamela Hanfland, Conder Elementary School1996 Patty Meeks, Middleton High School1997 Karen Hilbourn, Loris High School1998 Tracy Craven, Oakdale Elementary School1998 Kim Noe, Pontiac Elementary School1999 Joye Kinard, Barnwell Elementary School2000 Gerry Ferguson, N. Myrtle Beach

Elementary School

Best Local Government Recycling Program1995 Charleston County1995 Darlington County1996 Horry County1996 Pickens County1997 Jasper County1997 York County1998 Hampton County1998 Pickens County1999 Charleston County2000 City of Greenville

Best Municipal Recycling Program1995 City of North Myrtle Beach1996 City of North Augusta1997 City of Rock Hill1998 City of Rock Hill

Best Local GovernmentEducation / Awareness Program1995 Sumter County1996 Beaufort County1997 Horry County Solid Waste Authority1998 City of Rock Hill1999 Horry County Solid Waste Authority2000 Charleston County

Best Used Oil Recycling Program1995 City of Clemson1995 Lexington County1996 Charleston County1997 City of Clemson1997 Lexington County1998 Cherokee County1998 Lexington County1999 Berkeley County Water & Sanitation Authority2000 Sumter County

Best School Recycling Program1995 Anderson School District One1996 Pelion High School1997 Jesse Boyd Elementary School1998 Mid-Carolina High School1999 Oakdale Elementary School2000 Oakview Elementary School

Best College or University Program1995 University of South Carolina1996 Central Carolina Technical College1997 Medical University of South Carolina1998 Winthrop University1999 Medical University of South Carolina2000 Furman University2000 University of South Carolina

Best State Agency Recycling Program1995 S.C. Department of Corrections1996 S.C. Department of Health

& Human Resources1998 S.C. Department of Corrections1999 S.C. Department of Corrections2000 Greenville County Health Department

Best Industry Recycling Program1996 Willamette Industries1998 Milliken & Company1999 Alcoa - Mt. Holly2000 LINPAC Paper

Most Creative Recycling Effort1995 City of Cayce

1996 The Tuesday Reading & Garden Clubof Spartanburg

1997 Florence County Disabilities SpecialNeeds Board

1998 Charleston County1999 Anderson County2000 Charleston County

Special Recognition Awards1995 William Ross, S.C. Petroleum Council1995 Deborah R. Bass, Flagstar1995 Robert Buys, Pepsi-Cola1996 Jay Hicks, S.C. Soft Drink Association1996 Debra Stayner, Pangea1997 Jackie Buzzetti, The Home Depot1997 Timothy Houston, U.S. Postal Service1997 Tony Cabiness, School Volunteer1998 Steve Benjamin, International Paper1998 Camille Plyler Edens, City of Columbia1998 Richard Treme, Williamsburg County1999 Carl Milton, Recycle Guys Creator2000 Renee Daggerhart, S.C. Energy Office2000 Timothy Houston, U.S. Postal Service2000 Ted Campbell, RMDAC2000 Dottie Landry, RMDAC2000 Jay Hicks, S.C. Soft Drink Association2000 Clarence “Red” Hermann, Michelin

EQC District Winners1995 Sue Schweikart, Trident District1996 Lin Wisikoski, Waccamaw District1997 Steve Knight, Waccamaw District1997 Leland McCormick, Low Country District1998 Donna Sightler, Upper Savannah District1999 Richard Taylor, Wateree District2000 Robert Eaddy, Pee Dee District

Melba McKenzie Award1998 Kenny McKenzie1999 Jane Hayes2000 Fred Von Lehn

Honorary Recycle Guy Award2000 Douglas E. Bryant, DHECRe

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Documents

The Recycle Guys Awards Program · The Recycle Guys Awards Program DHEC honors South Carolina’s top recyclers for 2001 Recycling Coordinator of the Year Greenwood County’s Sightler