In Fiscal Year 2008 (July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008), Spartanburg County recycled 56,909 tons of material. This represents a 21 percent recycling rate. The county disposed of 215,942 tons of material.
In comparison, South Carolina recycled 1,084,926 tons of material with a 24 percent recycling rate. The state also disposed of 3,367,422 tons.
It is the goal of the state - and each of the 46 counties - to reach a 35 percent recycling. Neither met the goal in FY08.
All S.C. counties - including Spartanburg County - are required to annually report recycling data to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for glass, metal, paper and plastic as well as banned and miscellaneous items. While not required, local business, industry and schools also are encouraged to report their recycling data. Finally, permitted solid waste facilities (including landfills) are required to annually report disposal data to DHEC.
As a result, DHEC is able to calculate recycling rates for each of the state's 46 counties as well as the entire state.
To view the complete report, click here.
