Charleston County now accepting all plastics for recycling

Charleston County residents can now recycle all plastic containers at curbside and at recycling drop-off centers.

Previously the county only accepted plastics with #1 and #2 designations, according to a news release from Jennie Davis Flinn, the Charleston County Public Information Officer. The expanded plastic recycling efforts mean that all plastic except plastic wrap, plastic bags and Styrofoam can be recycled curbside.

That means all hard and soft plastic containers with any number inside the recycling logo will be accepted. Plastics can be placed in co-mingled bins alongside a separate bin or bags of paper, paperboard and cardboard recyclables.

Charleston County Council member Colleen Condon announced the change this week, along with a one-time $25 solid waste fee credit to all Charleston County residents that was approved by Charleston County Council during the passage of the Fiscal Year 2011 budget.

“Expanding Charleston County’s Recycling Program to recycle all plastics #1 through #7 allows us to provide better service to our citizens and move closer to our 40 percent recycling goal with this important step,” Condon said.

In April, the county began accepting corrugated cardboard for curbside pickup.

Curbside recycling in Charleston County is collected bi-weekly in urban areas starting at 7 a.m.

Rural residents can use recycling drop sites and convenience centers. Drop sites are open 24 hours, seven days a week and are not staffed. Convenience centers are staffed by Environmental Management Department employees.

Call 843-720-7111 or visit recycle.charlestoncounty.org to find out your recycling collection day, the nearest drop site location, and Convenience Center addresses and hours of operation.