South Carolina's recycling & sustainability industry 

South Carolina is home to more than 350 recycling companies, including collectors, processors, recycled product manufacturers and equipment makers helping drive investment across the sustainability sector.

Recycling industry impact in South Carolina 

In 2025 alone, the industry announced $438 million in capital investment and more than 640 new jobs, reinforcing SC’s position as a leader in recycling innovation and materials recovery. Through public-private partnerships, statewide initiatives and industry collaboration, companies across the state are advancing sustainable solutions that support economic growth and environmental responsibility. 

$438M

in capital investment in 2025

$6.99B

capital investment (2021-2025)

$13.6B

annual economic impact

25,435

direct jobs

350+

recycling companies

At JW Aluminum, we turn scrap metal into material for essential products. Recycling aluminum is simple but impactful — your container can be back on the shelf in 60 days! Let’s keep it in the loop!

Nicole Snyder, Director of Communications, JW Aluminum

Recycling Market Development Advisory Council

The Recycling Market Development Advisory Council (RMDAC) helps strengthen SC’s recycling economy by supporting market development, increasing material recovery and advancing partnerships across the recycling value chain.

Working alongside industry leaders, government agencies and sustainability partners, RMDAC helps connect materials, businesses and opportunities that support long-term economic and environmental impact.

Council members Find meeting agendas, minutes & more

Recycling resources

Recycling materials 

From paper to petroleum, South Carolina’s recycling network supports a wide range of materials, helping companies identify opportunities to recover resources, reduce waste and support manufacturing needs across industries.

Explore recycling materials

SC Recycling Markets Directory

This directory helps manufacturers keep valuable materials in motion by reducing waste and helping businesses meet sustainability goals. Recycling information is sorted based on materials and project needs.

Connect to the recycling directory

Material exchange

The SC Material Exchange (SCME) is a free online platform that helps companies connect hard-to-recycle materials with businesses that can reuse, repurpose or recycle them.

By turning waste streams into new opportunities, SCME helps companies reduce disposal costs and support more sustainable operations.

Start a material exchange

Find recycling tax credits or sustainability incentives 

South Carolina offers a range of tax credits and incentives that support sustainable operations, energy efficiency, redevelopment and recycling investments.

Solar energy system credit

Companies that purchase and install a solar energy system may be eligible for a tax credit equal to 25% of qualifying system costs, subject to certain limitations.

Solar energy system credit

Agricultural equipment tax credit

Qualifying businesses may receive a tax credit for certain conservation tillage equipment, drip or trickle irrigation systems, and qualifying dual-purpose truck and crane equipment.

Agricultural equipment tax credit

Textiles rehabilitation credit

Companies that improve, renovate or redevelop abandoned textile mill sites in SC may be eligible for a tax credit equal to 25% of rehabilitation expenses.

Textiles rehabilitation credit

Abandoned buildings revitalization credit

South Carolina offers incentives to support the revitalization of vacant buildings. Businesses that invest in qualifying properties may be eligible for a tax credit equal to 25% of rehabilitation expenses.

Abandoned buildings revitalization credit

Alternative motor vehicle credit

South Carolina provides a state tax credit for certain qualifying alternative motor vehicles based on provisions of the former federal Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit. All-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles do not qualify.

Alternative motor vehicle credit

Recycling facility credit

South Carolina offers a credit equal to 30% of the cost of recycling property placed into service each year by qualified recycling facilities.

Recycling facility credit

Environmental and pollution control equipment exemptions

Qualifying machinery and equipment used to control pollution may be exempt from state and applicable local sales and use taxes when statutory requirements are met.

Environmental and pollution control equipment exemptions

Alternative fuel property credit

Eligible property or facilities placed in service before January 1, 2026 may qualify for a tax credit for alternative fuel distribution, dispensing or storage.

Alternative fuel property credit

Success in recycling 

Companies across South Carolina are investing in innovative recycling processes, sustainable manufacturing and materials recovery solutions that strengthen both the economy and the environment.

South Carolina produces world-class leaders, designers and engineers. And with the robust tech school system and low corporate tax rate, success is South Carolina.

Howard Coker, President and CEO, Sonoco
Read the Sonoco story

Recycling market annual report

Explore the latest data, industry insights and market trends shaping South Carolina’s recycling economy.

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