During the holiday season, many of us attend holiday parties with friends and family. Part of this is enjoying tasty dishes that we only indulge in once a year. It's all too easy to waste food when our eating routines are all over the place. While it's not the first waste-related issue that comes to mind, the waste problem can be significant!

Shellfish monitoring runs Oct. 1 - May 15. Our Shellfish Monitoring Program works ensure that shellfish and the areas from which they are harvested meet the health and environmental quality standards provided by federal guidelines and state regulations.

Invasive species are a leading factor in freshwater fish extinctions and endangerments. Non-native invasive species cost the economy of the United States more than $120 billion annually in lost production and control costs. In the absence of native predators and diseases, nonindigenous organisms may develop very large populations that create severe ecological and economic problems. When such invasions occur in our lakes and rivers they can disrupt whole aquatic ecosystems and impair important municipal, industrial, agricultural, and recreational uses of our waterways.

Often overlooked, batteries can be a hidden household hazard. If improperly installed, charged, stored, used, damaged, or disposed of, lithium-ion batteries can catch fire or explode, putting your family and others at risk. If swallowed, button or coin batteries can cause injuries and death. Take advantage of battery recycling opportunities – particularly for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

Introducing the SCDES Office of Compliance Assistance (OCA)! OCA facilitates communication between the regulated community and SCDES through phone consultations, online surveys, email, general permitting guidance, problem solving, compliance assistance visits, and both virtual and in-person meetings and training opportunities. Through development and implementation of these compliance assistance activities, OCA’s goal is to reduce pollution, increase the level of understanding of environmental requirements and prevent violations before they occur.

SCDES is dedicated to helping people live healthy lives in healthy communities. With more than 1,200 employees in more than a dozen 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.