Recycle U

Colleges/universities have a unique opportunity to improve the community and help South Carolina achieve its recycling goals. SCDES’s Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling (Office) provides assistance in establishing and enhancing recycling on college/university campuses.

Through its Recycle U program, the Office offers free, non-regulatory services including:

Don't Waste Food SC

Don’t Waste Food SC is a collaborative outreach campaign that brings together ambassadors from the public and private sectors to share knowledge, coordinate resources, and work together to reduce wasted food in South Carolina.


Why food waste? Food is the No.1 item Americans throw away. Each year up to 40 percent of the nation’s food supply is never consumed – an annual loss of $218 billion. Wasted food also wastes resources. Any labor, energy, water, land, and other resources used to produce, package, and move food from the farm to our plates are lost.

Composting: Recycling Naturally

Composting Banner

Composting is the slow, natural decomposition of organic material such as yard trimmings and food waste. Microorganisms break down this material into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch that can be used in yards, gardens, and potted plants. You can compost at home using the organics generated by you and your family.

Electronics Recycling

Electronics Recycling

Unwanted electronics are one of the nation's fastest-growing waste streams. Often called e-scrap, electronics contain potentially hazardous materials such as lead and mercury that can pose a risk to human health and the environment if not properly managed.