S.C.’s Recycling Industry Legislative Day
Over 330 participants, representing South Carolina's recycling businesses and industry, manufacturers, haulers, non-profits, and local government, attended the 4th Annual Recycling Industry Legislative Day event at the SC Statehouse on March 9, 2011. The day began with a press conference outlining the extensive impact of South Carolina's recycling industry. Artwork by Kirkland Smith was on display for the media event. Senator Ray Cleary opened the event highlighting his ABC recycling bill (S.461) and Representative James Smith relayed the latest economic data for the recycling industry. Media coverage of the event is attached in the press clips file.
In terms of economic impact, according to the SC. Department of Commerce Recycling Market Development Advisory Council staff, the recycling industry announced over $438 million in capital investment, creation of 1,130 new jobs with 28 new or existing companies investing in S.C. in 2010. The recycling industry is comprised of haulers, collectors, processors, brokers, recycling equipment sales and manufacturers, and end-users or manufacturers who take recycled material feedstock and make recycled content products from them. Companies like Leigh Fibers in Wellford, ICE Recycling in Lake City, PolyQuest, Inc. in Darlington, Black Forest Container Systems in Greenville, and South Carolina Tissue in Barnwell are just a few examples of companies that announced investments in 2010.
After the press event, attendees were able to meet one-on-one with their legislators during the Recycling Industry Group’s legislative luncheon and speak with them about the importance of recycling as an economic driver, job creator, and source of feedstock for local businesses. In addition, the Southeast Recycling Development Council presented the findings of a two-year study that maps the demand for recycled feedstock and the growth potential of the industry on a state-by-state basis.
Thank you to the hosting, coordinating and sponsoring organizations for helping to make this event a success:
Carolina Recycling Association
Clare Morris Agency
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Conservation Voters of SC
D&W Fine Pack
Ever-Green Recycling
Horry County Solid Waste Authority
Leigh Fibers
Michelin
Mumford Industries
New Carolina-SC’s Council on Competitiveness
OmniSource SE
Pratt Industries
Recycling Market Development Advisory Council (RMDAC)
SC Recycling Industry Group (RIG)
Sonoco Recycling
Southeast Recycling Development Council
Southeastern Plastics Recovery, Inc.
Students and Teachers from Dutch Fork Elementary School, Pine Ridge Middle School, and Summit Parkway Middle School
Tomato Palms
