SCDES Encourages Residents to Reduce Household Waste and Recycle Right this Holiday Season
Household waste can increase by 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year’s , FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec. 8, 2025 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) encourages residents to give the gift of sustainability this holiday season by making the effort to reduce waste through recycling, reuse, smart planning, and more. The holidays mean presents and food along with decorations, gift wrapping, parties, meals with family and friends –…, said Richard Chesley, Section Manager with the SCDES Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling, . “It doesn’t have to be that way. By making small changes, each of us can minimize our environmental footprints during the holidays to ensure a sustainable South Carolina." SCDES helps make recycling as easy as possible with several easy-to-use online resources, including the Recycle Here SC mobile phone app. This free app consolidates information for residents on what, where, and how to…, Be sure to recycle right. , Items placed in the recycling bin that can't be recycled in your local program are called “contamination.” If a load of recyclables has too much contamination, it gets thrown away instead of being recycled. Download the free Recycle Here SC phone app to get rid of the confusion about what to recycle. , Be mindful of hard-to-manage items., Some common items like lithium-ion batteries, electronics, and household hazardous waste can be recycled but should not go into your recycling bin. These items require special handling to make sure they don’t hurt people or the environment. Visit SCDES's webpage about recycling hard-to-manage items or call 1-800-768-7348. Learn about the safe handling and recycling of batteries at …, Keep it clean., Items you recycle are empty and relatively clean; no liquids, food or residue should go in your recycling bin. , Reduce and reuse. , Recycling is supported by reducing the amount of household waste that’s generated and by reusing or repurposing items. The Don’t Waste Food SC public education campaign, which is coordinated by SCDES, provides helpful resources to prevent food waste and save you money. The campaign encourages residents to prevent food waste and donate perishable food and non-perishable food to local food…, Meal planning., Only buying the amount of ingredients you need for each dish helps reduce food waste. , Do a head count., Knowing how many people to prepare food for helps reduce the amount of prepared but unneeded food. , Reusable containers for leftovers., Send your guests home with leftovers in a reusable container. This helps eliminate single-use materials like plastic wrap and keeps large quantities of food from going unused and spoiling in your fridge. , Composting., If you can’t donate or reuse your leftovers, another option is composting. Sending food waste to a composting facility or composting at home can improve soil health and structure, increase water retention, support native plants, and reduce the need for fertilizers and pesticides. “We can all take steps to reduce the amount of household waste that’s created during the holiday season, and doing…, Chesley said. , “Proper recycling and food waste reduction also supports SCDES in its everyday mission of protecting and preserving our state’s air, land, water and coastal resources now and for future generations.” More information about local recycling programs, proper recycling tips, and food waste reduction efforts are all available at des.sc.gov/recycling. ###Infectious Waste Generators FAQs
What is the purpose of this registration?, The Infectious Waste Generator Registration notifies SCDES that your facility is generating infectious waste. SCDES uses the registration information to perform inspections at your facility to verify that it is complying with regulations., Who issues this registration?, The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control issues this registration., What activities require this registration?, Generating infectious waste that meets the definition in the South Carolina Infectious Waste Management Regulations, R. 61-105 requires a facility to register with SCDES. In general, to be considered regulated waste, the waste must be generated in the healthcare community and includes items such as sharps, blood, bodily fluids, pathological waste, etc. The regulatory definition can be found in…, How much will this registration cost?, The amount of the fee depends on how much regulated infectious waste your facility generates. SCDES does not charge a fee for small quantity generators (those that produce less than 50 pounds of infectious waste per month). For large quantity generators (those that produce 50 pounds or greater in any one calendar month) the fee is $150 annually. For extra large quantity generators (those that…, Where can I get the application for this registration?, You can download the registration form from our website . Applicants can also request a copy by calling (803) 898-0239 or (803) 898-0493 or email: infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov ., What, if anything, do I need to include with my application?, If your facility generates enough infectious waste to warrant a fee, you must submit a check along with the application for the appropriate amount. Make the check payable to S.C. SCDES., Is the decision on my permit application dependent on anything besides the information I provide in my application?, Since this is a registration, there is no permit decision to be made. We register each applicant once we receive the required information and the appropriate fee., How long will it take to review and approve my application?, It typically takes about 3 business days to process an application once we receive it. If you require a faster turnaround, please contact our office at (803) 898-0239 or (803) 898-0493 , or at infectiouswaste@des.sc.gov and we will do our best to accommodate your request., Where do I submit my application?, The application should be submitted by mail to: Infectious Waste Management Program Bureau of Land and Waste Management S.C. SCDES 2600 Bull Street Columbia SC 29201 You can also fax your application to SCDES's Infectious Waste Management Program at (803) 898-0391 ., How long is my coverage valid?, It depends on the volume of infectious waste your facility produces each month. Small quantity generators (those that produce less than 50 pounds of infectious waste per month): Registration is valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. Large and extra-large generators: Registration is valid for up to 3 years, expiring on April 30 of the third successive calendar year. (For example, a…, What is the appeal process for being turned down for a permit or having my registration revoked?, There is not an appeal process since this is not a permit. However, registration may be withheld due to an incomplete or inaccurate form. If this occurs, we will attempt to contact you by email, phone and/or postal service to straighten out discrepancies. Who can I contact if I have questions about this registration or the application process? • Call Kimberley Noonan at (803) 898-0493 ., Legal authority for this permit:, The authority for this registration stems from this state law: S.C. Infectious Waste Management ActLocal Government Recycling: Professional Certification
SC Recycling Info:, (800) 768-7348 (toll-free), The S.C. Recycling Professionals Certification Program is a comprehensive professional development program targeting local government recycling coordinators and solid waste directors. The goal of the program is to provide these professionals with the background, information and tools to make recycling programs grow and improve as well as become more cost competitive and sustainable. A variety of…, Download the form, to document additional contact hours., Recycling Center Attendant Training, Recycling Center Attendant Trainings are available to local governments to ensure that best management practices are used and attendants have the latest information and customer service skills. The training, which is offered at NO COST, can be customized to each county or city's recycling program. Each attendant is given a certificate of completion and becomes eligible to be a Recycling Attendant…Data and Reports on Infectious Waste in S.C.
This report looks at the estimated amounts of infectious waste generated in the state in the past and offers an estimate of the amount of waste that may be generated in the state in the next year. 2018 - Infectious Waste Annual report Estimate 2019 - Infectious Waste Annual report Estimate 2020 - Infectious Waste Annual report Estimate 2021 - Infectious Waste Annual report Estimate 2022 -…SC Adopt-a-Stream
Interbasin Transfer (IBT) Information
Charlotte Water Interbasin Transfer, Charlotte Water is seeking to modify their, Interbasin Transfer (IBT), . This would increase the maximum limit of permitted withdrawal from the Catawba River and increase discharge into the Rocky River (that feeds into South Carolina’s Pee Dee River Basin). , If you would like more information please email SWQuantity@dhec.sc.gov . For more detailed information, please see, Regulation 61-119, Surface Water Withdrawal, Permitting, Use and Reporting, Section F.2.d.Compliance Assistance - Fact Sheets & Guidance
Gov. Henry McMaster Unveils Updated State Water Plan to Guide Long-term Protection of Water Resources
Collaborative Efforts Identify Key Updates for Sustainable Water Use, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:, Dec. 11, 2025, COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster and South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Director Myra Reece today presented the updated South Carolina State Water Plan. Developed at the governor's direction by SCDES and the WaterSC Water Resources Working Group (WaterSC) and other key contributors from across the state, the updated plan focuses on the sustainable management of…, said Governor Henry McMaster., "This updated State Water Plan provides a clear, long-term strategy for maintaining reliable water supplies over the next 50 years. I am confident in the work SCDES and WaterSC have done to ensure South Carolina is prepared to meet the demands of today and tomorrow." To help ensure water resources are managed in the best interest of all South Carolinians, Gov. Henry McMaster proactively…, Our Water Future: The Leadership Guide to South Carolina’s Water Plan., "The updated State Water Plan isn’t just a report — it’s a roadmap that prepares us for growth, protects us in times of drought, and safeguards the water resources that sustain our way of life," , said Myra Reece, SCDES Director and Chair of WaterSC., "While South Carolina’s water resources are abundant, they are not limitless. If we continue to plan wisely and collaboratively, we will have the water we need to support our residents and economy for generations to come." This is the third version of the South Carolina State Water Plan. The previous two versions, developed in 1998 and updated in 2004, were written by the S.C. Department of…, said Director Reece., "While we achieved this important milestone for sustainable water use and protection, there is still work to be done as more and more people and businesses call South Carolina home. Our work to protect South Carolina’s water resources will continue." To learn more, visit des.sc.gov/WaterSC. ###Lead & Drinking Water
A high level of lead in drinking water can cause health concerns, particularly in children. That's why SCDES works to ensure that public water systems adhere to drinking water quality standards and regulations. Lead is rarely in drinking water when it leaves the treatment plant; however, it can seep into the water from old plumbing along the way., How Lead Gets into Drinking Water, Public water systems perform routine tests guided by federal and state standards to make sure the amount of lead in drinking water remains at a safe level. If the level rises too high, the Environmental Protection Agency requires action. The EPA's Action Level for lead in drinking water is greater than 15 parts per billion or .015 mg/L. The state's Safe Drinking Water Regulation (R.61-58) also…, How SCDES Helps Keep Your Drinking Water Safe, SCDES regulates public water systems to make sure they comply with drinking water standards and helps them produce the best possible water quality. SCDES provides: SCDES Suggested Directions for Homeowner Tap Sampling Collection Procedures Public water systems perform routine tests guided by federal and state standards to make sure the amount of lead in drinking water remains at a safe level. If…, Lead Data, Notes: The Action Level for lead is greater than 15 parts per billion or .015 mg/L. The units for the lead values shown in the PDF are in mg/L. , Monitoring periods are January through June and July through December if the system is on six-month monitoring. The monitoring period is June 1 through September 30 if the system is on annual or three-year monitoring. An exceedance of the action level is calculated based on the 90th percentile of all samples taken during the monitoring period (at different locations within the distribution…, How to Reduce Exposure to Lead in Drinking Water, Flush Your System, Flushing tap water is a simple and inexpensive measure you can take to protect your health. It typically uses less than one to two gallons of water. Let the water run from the tap before using it for drinking or cooking if the faucet has gone unused for more than six hours. The longer water stays in plumbing the more lead it may contain. To flush the tap, run the cold water faucet for about 15-40…, Use Only Cold Water for Cooking and Drinking, Do not cook with, or drink water from the hot water tap. Hot water can dissolve lead more quickly than cold water. If you need hot water, draw water from the cold tap and then heat it., Is Your Water from a Public Water System?, If you receive a water bill, then your drinking water most likely is from a public water system. Public water systems (that serve the same people year round) are required by law to provide their customers with a water quality report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) . Find more information about testing your drinking water ., Upcoming Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), Systems with lead, galvanized requiring replacement, or unknown service lines must send notifications to affected customers by November 15th, 2024. In the Useful Documents section below, there are templates and associated FAQs for the various service line materials and situations that may be present in your system., Please read each thoroughly to ensure that customers receive the appropriate communication and that the content aligns with your inventory efforts and capabilities. These templates require system input in many places and cannot be sent out as-is., These templates and FAQ documents were created by Mike McGill of WaterPIO with very minor adjustments from SCDES and meet the initial customer notification requirements of the LCRR. SCDES is grateful to Mike and his team for creating and providing these documents. You may choose to revise these templates to better fit the needs of your water system so long as you do not adjust or eliminate any of…, Useful Documents:, Lead and Copper Rule Updates, Timelines, and Reminders Baseline Service Line Inventory Template Lead and Copper Rule FREE Assistance Flier EPA Factsheet LCRR EPA Notification Factsheet GRR FAQ GRR Notification Letter Lead FAQ Lead Notification Letter Unknown FAQ Unknown Notification Letter Service Line Materials Notification FAQ, Useful Lead and Copper Forms, D 3023 – Lead and Copper Monitoring Report Form Justification for Change of Sample Site D 3024 – Lead and Copper Monitoring Reporting Form Analytical Results for Lead and Copper D 3025 – Lead and Copper Monitoring Reporting Form Analytical Results for Water Quality Parameter Monitoring Example 3025 - Lead and Copper Monitoring Report Form D 3162 – Lead and Copper Monitoring Report Form for Non-…, Have a Private Well?, If your drinking water comes from a private well, it is up to you to make sure it is safe. Be sure to test your well water for contaminants . Learn more about how to protect your family from lead exposure ., Contacts, Richard Welch, Jr. P.E., Manager, Drinking Water & Recreational Waters Compliance, (803) 898-3546 Wendi Smith , Program Manager, Drinking Water Compliance Monitoring Section, (803) 898-2382 Idris Liban , Lead and Copper Rule Manager, (803) 898-3573 Ana Barber , Lead and Copper Rule Manager, (803) 898-4154Compliance Assistance - Air Quality