Business Services
Recycling Market Development
South Carolina boasts a strong and diverse recycling industry, with more than 300 companies that broker, collect, process, manufacture and transform recovered materials into new products that are used every day. The economic impact statewide of the recycling industry is $6.5 billion. More than 37,000 people are employed in this industry sector, generating a personal income impact of $1.5 billion. The Commerce staff provides business development assistance to recycling start-ups and existing recycling companies operating in the state.
The Recycling Market Development team helps foster a thriving recycling economy in South Carolina and promotes sustainable business practices for business, industry, government and other organizations through a number of key initiatives:
SMART BUSINESS RECYCLING PROGRAM
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The Smart Business Recycling Program provides free, confidential, non-regulatory technical assistance on recycling, waste reduction, beneficial reuse and other ways for businesses to conserve resources and improve their bottom line. The program offers site visits, waste assessments, market assistance, educational materials, staff training and other services. It is a partnership of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Center for Waste Minimization and Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling and the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s Recycling Market Development Program.
SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLING MARKET DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (RMDAC)
This Governor-appointed council tracks the success and growth of the state’s recycling industry and makes policy and program recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly each year.
Click here for the 2008 RMDAC Meeting Schedule.
RECYCLING CLUSTER
The Recycling Cluster is an initiative that brings together recycling businesses and industry who utilize recycled materials in their manufacturing process. The Cluster will help promote recycling markets and position recycling businesses as competitive, viable participants in the development of jobs, retaining local community employers, generating additional tax revenues and increasing economic development opportunities. New Carolina, South Carolina’s Council on Competitiveness, is the steering group for the cluster and Sonoco Products, a global packaging company that uses recycled content, is the anchor company.
- Mission: To expand and strengthen South Carolina’s recycling industry by establishing policy, building networks, promoting market development and leveraging existing infrastructure.
- Vision: For South Carolina to be a national leader in the recycling industry in terms of job creation, investment and providing sustainable markets for recyclable materials.
SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Many companies across the nation have adopted sustainable practices as part of their daily operations in an effort to increase financial profitability, lessen environmental effects and foster greater community support. In South Carolina, companies such as Alcoa, BMW and Milliken have outlined these initiatives in their corporate policies and annual reports and continue to make significant progress in all three areas.
At Commerce, we are committed to helping create economic, social and environmental prosperity that enhances the quality of life for all South Carolinians. Promoting sustainable business practices helps contribute to our mission.
RECYCLING BROCHURE
This informative brochure provides additional details regarding each of the Recycling Department’s initiatives. Click here to view a copy of the brochure.
ADDITIONAL RECYCLING RESOURCES
Click here for a list of helpful Recycling links and resources.