State environmental officials now have a better understanding about the types and amounts of waste being dumped in South Carolina's landfills. The findings are reported in a Statewide Waste Characterization Study, released by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Thursday.
A first for South Carolina, the primary purpose of the comprehensive research was to examine the amount by weight and type of municipal solid waste (MSW) discarded by households, businesses and institutions—including materials that potentially could have been recycled or diverted from landfill disposal.
"This study gives us a realistic look at our waste stream and the opportunities there are to make positive impacts on sustainable waste management,” said SCDES Director Myra Reece. “This data report is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of current efforts as well as for targeting specific materials, increasing diversion rates, and maximizing the lifespan of our landfills.”
Key takeaways:
- Overall, about 17% (612,727 tons) of the total MSW disposed of (3,574,431 tons) was comprised of traditional recyclables such as cardboard, paper, aluminum and steel cans, plastic containers and glass jars. This material resulted in more than $27 million in disposal costs and an estimated $91 million in lost recycling market value.
- Unwanted food is the number one item thrown way by Americans nationwide, and in South Carolina. The study found that food waste (both loose and packaged) was the No.1 MSW item in the state’s landfills, accounting for 26.2% or 939,464 tons.
- Paper—including cardboard, mixed recyclable paper and compostable paper—was second at 24.4% or 873,943 tons. Cardboard, which is one of the most valuable recyclables, has a 55% capture rate.
"The numbers on food waste and paper reflect clear opportunities for South Carolina to divert about 50% of the municipal solid waste disposed of in the state through improved prevention, donation and composting," Reece said.
SCDES is working to address the issue of food waste through its Don't Waste Food SC outreach campaign. The agency is also partnered with the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), local governments and key stakeholders to collaboratively address the state's growing composting infrastructure and best practices for converting food waste into a valuable product.
Additionally, SCDES has joined Go See the City, a national initiative that streamlines the donation of unsold food to local charities and food banks. The agency also is planning a statewide Food Waste Summit on June 16 in Columbia to bring together partners and stakeholders to discuss the challenges presented by food waste and explore ways to work together. For more information on the summit, email dontwastefoodsc@des.sc.gov.
The Statewide Waste Characterization Study was funded by the EPA through a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program. Additional details about the report and other important recycling resources can be found on the SCDES website.