Giant Salvinia
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
What is the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)?, The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) is a federal law enacted the Environmental Protection Agency in 1976 that established a regulatory system to track hazardous wastes from the point of generation to disposal. It established a “cradle to grave” process for management of hazardous waste (spent oil, cleaning agents, pesticides, etc.). The law requires the use of safe and secure…, RCRA Regulations, You may access the S.C. Hazardous Waste Management Regulations at this link - R.61-79.pdf . DHEC periodically revises the S.C. Hazardous Waste Management Regulations to remain consistent with the EPA hazardous waste management regulations. Updates to the S.C. Hazardous Waste Management Regulations are described on this webpage - Hazardous Waste Management Regulations Status . Additional…, What does a RCRA permit do?, A RCRA permit establishes requirements for properly managing hazardous waste. RCRA Permits are issued for any one or a combination of the following activities: Treatment- use processes to alter the character or composition of hazardous waste Storage- temporarily store hazardous waste until it is treated or disposed Disposal- permanently contain waste Corrective Action - Cleanup of past…, What is the RCRA Corrective Action Process?, Establishes a framework for facilities (Commercial, DoD, etc.) to investigate and clean-up hazardous waste contamination. The facilities are required to clean up all affected media (soil, groundwater, surface water, and air). DHEC oversees all stages of the process., RCRA Public Participation, The goal of Public Participation in RCRA is to involve the public early and often in the permitting process. This allows the public multiple opportunities to learn about the facility operations and to provide input both to SCDES and the facility. There are two types of public meetings held as part of the public participation process: Facility-led SCDES-led Facility-led meetings The RCRA…Asbestos in Your Home
There are only two ways to determine if a material contains asbestos. The first way is to contact the manufacturer of the product. If you are not sure who the manufacturer of the product is, the individuals who installed the material may know. If you are unable to track down the origin of the material, the only other way to determine if asbestos is present it to have the material tested by a…, Inside, A. Asbestos cement water tank B. Pipe lagging C. Loose fill insulation D. Textured decorative coating eg artex E. AIB ceiling tiles F. AIB bath panel G. Toilet seat and cistern H. AIB behind fuse box I. AIB airing cupboard and/or sprayed insulation coating boiler J. AIB partition wall, Outside, O. Gutters and asbestos cement downpipes P. Soffits – AIB or asbestos cement Q. AIB exterior window panel R. Asbestos cement roof S. Asbestos cement panels T. Roofing felt, AIB = Asbestos Insulating Board, Samples of suspect asbestos-containing material from a private residence can be taken by asbestos professionals or by the homeowner himself. A list of asbestos professionals can be found here or by checking the yellow pages of your local phone book under the heading "Environmental Consultants". A list can also be obtained from SCDES free of charge. If you decide to sample a suspect asbestos-…, Contact, Asbestos Section (803) 898-42892025 National Take Back Day
Oftentimes, unwanted prescription drugs are kept or disposed of improperly, putting people's health and the environment at risk by making their way into the wrong hands or into our water bodies. This is why the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.” On National Take Back Day—which occurs twice a year in April and October—members of the public…, What is generally accepted: , Vitamins Prescription patches Prescription or over-the-counter creams/ointments Prescription or over-the-counter syrups/liquids Prescription or over-the-counter pet medications, What is generally NOT accepted: , Aerosol cans Hydrogen peroxide Thermometers Needles Inhalers Illegal drugs Controlled and uncontrolled substances are both accepted. However, in order to drop off controlled substances, you must be an “ultimate user” as defined by the federal Controlled Substances Act. See this webpage for more information. Where are Collection Sites Located? To find collection sites accessible on…Construction & Demolition Debris
c+d logo Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is non-hazardous solid waste generated during the construction, remodeling, repair, or demolition of homes, buildings, roads, and bridges. C&D debris includes: Kitchen cabinets and sinks; Bathroom sinks, vanities, tubs, and toilets; Doors; Energy-efficient windows; Hardwood flooring; Stone or solid-surface countertops; Lighting fixtures;…, Proper Management of C&D Debris, Builders/contractors and residents can reduce C&D debris disposal through best management practices such as source reduction, salvaging, reuse, and recycling. Learn more at the following links:, Builders/Contractors, Residents, The sustainable management of C&D debris helps all stakeholders save money. Builders/contractors can reduce costs through avoided disposal fees and/or not having to buy additional material. Homeowners may be able to lower building or renovation costs as well as qualify for a tax benefit when recovered material is donated to qualified 501(c)(3) non-profits., Additional Information, Asbestos Builders/contractors and residents should be aware of the required management of asbestos-containing material., Learn more about asbestos, . C&D Debris on Personal Property Homeowners never should allow or use C&D debris – including concrete – on their property to fill a ravine or gully without checking with SCDES for permitting requirements. If improperly managed, the landowner may be subject to a fine. Secure Vehicle Loads Builders/contractors and residents are required by law to secure all loads of material to prevent any…, Learn more about South Carolina litter laws, ., Resources, Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE), is a 501(c)(3) organization that focuses on market-based solutions that increase landfill diversion and recycling of post-consumer carpet. , Construction & Demolition Recycling Association (CDRA), promotes the environmentally sound recycling of recoverable C&D material. CDRA also offers in-depth information on commodities such as gypsum wallboard and concrete., C&D Recycling, is a bi-monthly magazine, e-newsletter, and website that provides the latest industry information and insight on best management practices, trends, equipment, and more. S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) offers information on a variety of C&D debris-related topics, which include:, Comprehensive clearinghouse on asbestos management, rules, regulations, and requirements, ,, Listing of all C&D debris recyclers and solid waste processors that accept C&D debris in South Carolina, ,, Listing of all Class 2 landfills that accept C&D debris, , and, C&D debris project planning tools for Builders/Contractors, The S.C. Recycling Markets Directory: Connecting Materials is Markets, is designed to help businesses, local governments, and others reduce waste, conserve resources and, ultimately provide raw material to manufacturers to make recycled-content products. The directory offers a listing of more than 300 recycling companies, organizations, and others that make available a variety of services and markets as well as a robust selection of recyclable commodities. The…, Southern Carolina Material Exchange, is a free service designed to help businesses, industries and other organizations find markets for materials they have traditionally discarded. Registered users can post both wanted and available listings, similar to a classified ad section. Businesses, industries and other organizations can list their available materials by type, quantity, frequency of availability, geographic location, and…, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), , provides a comprehensive clearinghouse of information on the sustainable management of C&D material. Topics include source reduction, reducing material use, deconstruction, salvaging and reusing, recycling, and rebuying C&D debris. Check out EPA’s , new video on deconstruction, to learn more about the work of Lifecycle Building Center in Atlanta.SCDES Recognizes 13 South Carolina Schools as ‘Champions of the Environment’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 28, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Thirteen South Carolina schools were recently awarded grants to support the education of the next generation of environmental stewards, the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) announced today. The “Champions of the Environment” awards are issued each school year to foster environmental education and action in South…, said Myra Reece, SCDES Director., “We hope these classroom projects encourage collaboration, curiosity and a lifelong commitment to sustainability.” SCDES started Champions of the Environment in 1993 with the goal of encouraging, enabling, and recognizing youth environmental education projects that develop awareness, promote behavior change, or improve and protect our water, air, and land. “We had a record-breaking 85 grant…, said Amanda Ley, SCDES’s coordinator for the Champions of the Environment program., “The winning schools demonstrated strong student involvement, outstanding use of funds, outreach to those outside of the projects, and partnerships with environmental organizations. Ten schools were awarded $2,500 and three schools were awarded $1,500 for projects including pollinator gardens, habitat restoration, water quality monitoring and alternate energy. , The 2025-26 Champions of the Environment winners are below., $2,500 winners: Allendale Fairfax Middle School, Allendale County Blue Ridge High School, Greenville County Conway Elementary School, Horry County Diamond Hill Elementary School, Abbeville County James H. Hendrix Elementary School, Spartanburg County Leaphart Elementary School, Lexington County Lowcountry Montessori School, Beaufort County Mullins High School, Marion County Tall Pines STEM…Voluntary Disclosure Act
(View full text by visiting the following site:, http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t48c057.php, ), Purpose, The Legislative Purpose of this Act was to encourage the use of internal, voluntary self-audits to improve compliance and to provide limited protection from penalties for disclosure of environmental violations or audit findings., Voluntary Disclosure Criteria, A disclosure would be considered voluntary if it meets the following criteria: Disclosure is made within 14 days following a reasonable investigation Disclosure is made to an agency with regulatory authority over the violation being disclosed Action is initiated to resolve the violation in a diligent manner Person or entity cooperates in the investigation of issues identified in the disclosure…Community Development Block Grants
Community Development Block Grant, The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federal resource that strives to build stronger and more resilient communities. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) suggest some projects include but are not limited to: Infrastructure Economic development Public facilities installation Government assisted housing rehabilitation, Contact, For information regarding this program, see your local Council of Government (COG).Solid Waste Advisory Council/Waste Tire Committee Meeting
AgendaCoastal Zone Consistency Certification
Bureau of Coastal Management , Coastal Zone Consistency , Coastal Zone Consistency (CZC) is a certification process supported by Federal and State laws to protect our unique coastline. The goal of CZC is to achieve a balance between the appropriate use, development, and conservation of coastal resources in the best interest of all citizens of the state. The CZC section of the Bureau of Coastal Management does not issue stand alone permits. Think of CZC…