News Summary
Greenwood County is facing significant challenges in its recycling efforts, with nearly 27% of collected materials found to be non-recyclable. This contamination is driving up processing costs and creating inefficiencies in local recycling programs. The county processes an average of 8 to 10 tons of recyclables each day but calls for better adherence to recycling guidelines among residents. Educational initiatives and community involvement are being emphasized to reduce litter and promote proper recycling practices.
Greenwood County is grappling with contamination challenges in its recycling efforts, as nearly 27% of collected materials are deemed non-recyclable, leading to increased processing costs and inefficiencies. The county’s recycling facility collects materials from curbside bins and nine convenience centers on weekdays, averaging 8 to 10 tons of recyclable materials each day. The collected items are sent to Pratt Recycling in Duncan, South Carolina, for sorting and processing.
The recycling process in Greenwood County utilizes a single-stream recycling method, allowing all accepted materials to be placed in one blue bin. Annually, the county processes approximately 2,000 tons (or four million pounds) of recyclable material through this program. However, contaminants such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, food waste, and “wishful recycling” items like takeout containers are frequently found in the recycling bins, contributing to rising costs. The county pays $95 per ton to process these contaminated materials.
To address contamination, local officials emphasize the importance of adhering to recycling guidelines. Properly recycling involves placing only specific items in the recycling bins. Approved recyclable materials include plastic drink bottles, milk jugs, detergent containers, cardboard, newspaper, junk mail, aluminum cans, and steel food cans. Items that should not be placed in recycling bins encompass plastic bags, glass, Styrofoam, electronics, and soiled materials such as kitty litter and food waste.
Residents of Greenwood County can drop off recyclables at any of the nine convenience centers, which feature blue recycling bins flagged with instructional stickers for guidance. These centers also accept used motor oil, yard debris, and old furniture, along with Goodwill donation bins for clothing. Additionally, the Siloam Church Road Recycling Center offers free paper shredding services, further supporting the community’s recycling efforts.
Despite the current challenges, Greenwood County is exploring further options to enhance its recycling initiatives. Future programs may include glass recycling among other strategies aimed at improving overall recycling efficacy. Education initiatives are also being implemented to enlighten residents, especially students, about litter reduction practices and environmental stewardship.
The local government encourages community involvement, including participation in events such as the upcoming community cleanup at Lake Greenwood organized by Keep Greenwood County Beautiful. Volunteers will play a key role in tackling litter issues in the area, contributing to a cleaner environment for all residents.
Greenwood County also honors environmental education excellence through the annual Environmental Education Difference Maker Award, recognizing teachers who demonstrate exceptional leadership in the field. Such initiatives aim to instill a sense of responsibility among students regarding their environment and promote sustainable practices within the community.
As the challenges of contamination continue, Greenwood County urges its residents to stay informed and proactive in their recycling efforts, ensuring that the benefits of recycling can be maximized while minimizing costs associated with contamination.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: The Cost of Wishful Recycling in Greenwood County
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- Business Wire: Vision RNG Announces Gas Agreement
- Google Search: Greenwood County recycling efforts
- Index Journal: Education Arm a Key to Keep Greenwood County Beautiful
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recycling
- The State: Traffic News
- Google News: Environmental stewardship
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
