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A new era in environmental protection.

Formerly a part of DHEC, SCDES is committed to preserving South Carolina’s air, land, water and coast through Science, Service and Sustainability.

About SCDES

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Bureau of Water

BOW protects the state’s water resources for drinking, swimming, fishing and other uses that benefit all South Carolinians.

Bureau of Water

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Bureau of Land and Waste Management

BLWM has critical oversight of certain industries, like landfills and mines, that helps safeguard our state’s land resources.

Bureau of Land and Waste Management

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Bureau of Air Quality

BAQ protects the air we breathe by ensuring industries comply with state and federal air quality standards.

Bureau of Air Quality

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Bureau of Coastal Management

BCM helps ensure the appropriate use, development and conservation of South Carolina's irreplaceable coastal resources.

Bureau of Coastal Management

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Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services

BRLS responds to environmental incidents, samples and monitors air and water, and investigates tips received from the public.

Bureau of Regional and Laboratory Services

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Regulations
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Public Notices

Ozone Monitoring Season

SCDES monitors ozone levels each year from March 1 through Oct. 31. Monitors help us understand the actual amount of ozone occurring at a particular location as well as the distribution of ozone concentrations across the state.

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Make Every Day Earth Day

Earth Day may be April 22, but for SCDES, every day is Earth Day! We urge residents to recognize and celebrate how invaluable South Carolina’s natural environment is to those who live, work and play in the Palmetto State. SCDES employees work every day to protect the state’s air, land, water, and coastal resources for the benefit of all, and residents can help support those efforts.

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WaterSC

WaterSC, led by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES), works across state agencies and with key stakeholders to develop a state water plan that balances South Carolina's economic and environmental interests to ensure the long-term protection of the state’s water resources as demand increases from record-breaking economic development and population growth.

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Recycle Here SC App

Where and what can you recycle in your community? For these answers and more, select your county of residence below. For the most updated information, visit the county's webpage and follow the county's social media accounts. Download the free Recycle Here SC mobile app to have the information below directly at your fingertips. Click here to learn more and download the app.

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Open Burning

Learn more about open burning. Is it legal? What can I burn? How does it effect the environment? How do I report illegal open burning?

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Jobs & Careers

SCDES is dedicated to helping people live healthy lives in healthy communities. With more than 3,800 employees in 100 offices across the state, SCDES has a diverse team of employees who are leaders in their fields and share a passion for making a difference.

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News

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‘Every Day is Earth Day’: S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Encourages South Carolinians to Celebrate SC’s Natural Environment this Earth Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
April 3, 2025 

COLUMBIA, S.C. — April is Earth Month, and the S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) urges residents to recognize and celebrate how invaluable South Carolina’s natural environment is to those who live, work and play in the Palmetto State. SCDES employees work every day to protect the state’s air, land, water, and coastal resources for the benefit of all, and residents can help support those efforts.  

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Events

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Thursday, April 3, 2025 10:00 am - 02:00 pm

Lower Savannah-Salkehatchie Basin Planning Meeting

Visit our Lower Savannah-Salkehatchie Basin Planning Meetings webpage for a draft agenda and information on past meetings. 

The Council will meet in-person at the Hampton First Baptist Church in Hampton, SC (300 Jackson Avenue East, Hampton, SC 29924).

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Blog

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Tuesday, Mar 18, 2025

Global Recycling Day: Take Action for a Cleaner South Carolina

if it can't be reused, let it be refused! global recycling day

Every year on Global Recycling Day, we’re reminded of the power each of us has to make a difference for our planet.

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