by Zach Rainey, originally posted by WYFF 4 on November 15, 2024
Recycling just got easier in South Carolina with the launch of a new mobile app.
The app was developed through a partnership between the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, Palmetto Pride and the South Carolina Beverage Association.
The app will be called Recycle Here SC and it will help consolidate information for residents on what, where, and how to recycle different items at different locations across the state.
“While our web-based tool that provides recycling information has been extremely successful, this new app – which is one of the first of its kind nationwide – will make access to recycling information more convenient, reduce confusion, and lessen contamination of recyclable materials,” said Myra Reece, SCDES Interim Director. “This app will also support South Carolina’s efforts to achieve a goal of recycling 50% of the state’s municipal solid waste by 2030.”
Officials said the biggest challenge faced by recycling programs is contamination, which is placing items that can’t be recycled into a recycling bin.
“With the launch of the Recycle Here SC app, we’re equipping South Carolinians with a powerful tool to make recycling more accessible and efficient,” said Lt. Governor Pamela Evette. “Since much of the litter in our communities consists of items that could have been recycled, this initiative will also play a key role in reducing litter across our state.”
The Recycle Here SC app lists all the recycling programs in the state and allows residents to:
- Search for recycling locations and programs within their counties;
- Filter locations based on items needing to be recycled;
- Search and sign up for notifications about special collection events (such as household hazardous waste take-back days, paper shredding days, and electronic collection events);
- Learn about recycling, composting, litter prevention, and waste reduction programs led by SCDES and Palmetto Pride; and
- Find out how to properly dispose of other material.