DHEC Thanks South Carolinians for Recycling Efforts, Encourages Proper Recycling of Household Batteries as Part of ‘America Recycles Day’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 14, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — In observance of America Recycles Day tomorrow, Nov. 15, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) applauds South Carolinians statewide for their efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle. Recycling helps make the Palmetto State a cleaner, safer place to live. Through the Recycle Right SC campaign , which is a…, said Myra Reece, Director of DHEC’s Environmental Affairs., “While many of our residents understand the importance of recycling paper, cardboard, plastic and aluminum, we have a new goal to spread awareness about how critical it is to also properly recycle household batteries.” DHEC offers several tips for how to have the biggest impact with household recycling: , Make sure to recycle right., Putting the wrong thing in the recycling bin is called “contamination.” If a load of recyclables has too much contamination, it gets thrown away instead of being recycled. , Know what is recyclable., What you can recycle at work may be different from what you can recycle at home, or what you can recycle if you’re visiting someone in a different county. Take a minute to learn what’s accepted for recycling wherever you are by visiting scdhec.gov/RecycleHereSC. , 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 specially handling to make sure they don’t hurt people or the environment. For help with these items, visit DHEC’s webpage about recycling hard-to-manage items or call 1-800-768-7348. For more info on safely handling and recycling…, Keep it clean., Make sure items you recycle are empty and relatively clean. No liquids, food or residue should go in your recycling bin. , Reducing and reusing support recycling., Recycling can be supported by reducing the amount of household waste that’s generated and by reusing or repurposing items. , Don’t waste food., The Don’t Waste Food SC program is a partnership with the S.C. Department of Commerce focused on preventing food waste, which is the No. 1 item Americans throw away each year. According to the South Carolina Solid Waste Management Report for 2022 , residents recycled 1,161,924 tons of municipal solid waste – the type of waste generated from households. The top materials recycled by weight were…, said Richard Chesley, DHEC's Section Manager for the Office of Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling., “While America Recycles Day is one day where we spotlight the advantages of household recycling, we want all South Carolinians to make proper recycling a routine part of their everyday lives so that our communities and state as a whole can reap the benefits of a clean, green, healthy state.” For information about household recycling, visit scdhec.gov/recycling. Learn more about the importance of…DHEC Receives $1 Million EPA Grant to Extend Efforts for Advancing Environmental Justice in South Carolina
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 8, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the recipient of a $1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to continue the agency’s Environmental Justice efforts in South Carolina. This is the largest amount of federal funding for Environmental Justice initiatives that DHEC has received…, said Keisha Long, DHEC’s Environmental Justice Coordinator., “Our work, which is supported by these federal grants, is driven by that principle ― that no community or neighborhood should be left behind when it comes to environmental impacts. All South Carolinians deserve to live in a clean and healthy environment.” DHEC and its partners will work together to communicate and then apply the principles of Community-Managed Disaster Risk Reduction (CDMRR)…, said Dr. Dan Kilpatrick, with the University of South Carolina: Arnold School of Public Health, . “Our risk-based approach with EJ communities means the impact of these efforts helps support those communities with the greatest potential for disaster coupled with greatest opportunity for resilience." DHEC has been holding similar Environmental Justice training sessions in disadvantaged communities since 2020. The EPA also has awarded $500,000 to LAMC for its Environmental Justice efforts…, said Muhammad. , DHEC’s Environmental Justice program is housed with the Office of Environmental Affairs and dedicates itself to “the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures and income with respect to the development, adoption, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations and policies in working towards increasing prosperity of all South Carolinians.” To…Lt. Governor Evette, DHEC, ISRI Launch ‘Be Battery Smart’ Campaign for South Carolina
New public information effort focuses on importance of recycling household batteries and safety hazards posed by certain batteries , FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 7, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — A public education campaign designed to increase the public’s understanding of the health and environmental benefits of safely recycling household batteries is launching today in South Carolina, announced the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette joined Myra…, said Lieutenant Governor Pamela S. Evette., "This campaign will help educate families about the hidden dangers of batteries and the economic benefits of recycling. By responsibly managing batteries, we not only protect our loved ones but also contribute to preserving the critical minerals that make up batteries." Batteries are required for many household essentials, such as remote controls, kids’ toys, clocks and watches, cell phones,…, said Myra Reece, DHEC’s Director of Environmental Affairs., “We want South Carolinians to understand that household batteries need to be properly recycled in order to limit the potential harm they can cause to people and the environment.” Lithium-ion batteries, which are a popular type of rechargeable battery, are easy to puncture and can cause fires in garbage trucks and recycling centers and landfills. This can injure those essential workers, including…, said ISRI President Robin Wiener., "Educating the public on this critical issue is important for the safety of our member companies and employees — and also for first responders and the communities around us. We are proud to partner with the South Carolina DHEC to launch this important campaign that will ultimately keep South Carolinians out of harm’s way.” Most South Carolina residents have opportunities to recycle batteries at…, said Reece., “Recycling — and recycling batteries in particular — is one of the ways to a sustainable economy and healthy environment.” Another critical focus of Be Battery Smart is educating the public about the choking hazards posed by small, shiny button batteries. Children are especially at risk for serious injury or even death if they swallow a button battery or put one inside their ear or nose. DHEC…DHEC Awards Twelve South Carolina Schools as ‘Champions of the Environment’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 2, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Twelve South Carolina schools were recently awarded grants that will support the education of the next generation of environmental stewards statewide, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today. The “ Champions of the Environment ” awards are issued each school year to foster environmental education…, said Myra Reece, DHEC Director of Environmental Affairs, . “With the help of our great partners, we look forward to the many projects Champions of the Environment will support in classrooms across the state for years to come.” DHEC 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,…, said Amanda Ley, DHEC coordinator for the Champions of the Environment program, . “Funding from the Champions program provides these schools environmental education opportunities that may not otherwise be available.” The 2023-24 Champions of the Environment winners are below. $2,500 winners: Academy for the Arts, Science, and Technology, Horry County R.B. Stall High School, Charleston County Loris Middle School, Horry County St. John Catholic School, Charleston County Starr-…DHEC Update on Fire at Unpermitted Debris Pile in Anderson County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 26, 2023 ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. ― The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has been notified of a fire at an unpermitted land-clearing debris pile in Anderson County., At this time, there is no known threat to the environment or public health,, however, it’s always recommended that people avoid breathing in environmental smoke., What is Environmental Smoke?, • Whether from a campfire, wildfire, or burning landfill or pile of debris, all smoke is made up of very small partially burned particles and chemicals that form during burning. What makes up the particles and accompanying gases depends on the type of material that is burning., What is Going on Near 516 Bowen Street?, • An unpermitted land-clearing debris pile is on fire. This smoke is very similar to smoke from burning yard trash, fire pits or fireplaces. Because some of the materials that are burning are partially underground, the fire may smolder for a few days. • The Centerville Fire Department has responded and the South Carolina Forestry – Wildfire Division has moved dirt around the burning pile to…, How Can Smoke Affect Me?, • The heat from outdoor fires typically lifts smoke up into the air, but slower, smoldering fires in combination with some weather conditions can trap smoke close to the ground. • It’s never good to breathe smoke of any kind for extended periods of time. Most people should not have long-term health problems caused by breathing smoke for short periods of time, but chemical odors and particles in…, What Can I Do About It?, • In the event of a fire or smoke event, the first and most important thing to do is to minimize your exposure. o Report smoke to local authorities as the adage is usually true, “where there is smoke, there is fire.” In this case, the Centerville Fire Department has been on site and is closely monitoring the situation. • If possible, stay upwind from the fire. • Go inside, close windows and close…DHEC Spotlights the Dangers of Lead Exposure during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 23, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week (Oct. 22-28), the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) encourages residents to learn the dangers of lead exposure and how to protect themselves and their families from it. In recognition of its importance Gov. Henry McMaster issued a proclamation for Childhood…Dispose of Scrap Metal, Tires, Paper, Hazardous Waste on Richland Recycles Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 4, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) in partnership with Richland County encourages residents to drop off a variety of unwanted household items for Richland Recycles Day this Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The free event will be from 8 a.m. to noon at Columbia Place Mall in the parking lot of the former Sears…, Residents may drop off the following items: , Tires (car, light truck, motorcycle) Scrap metal – appliances, bicycles, metal chairs, metal shelving, and lawn mowers with no gasoline or oil Household hazardous waste, including paint, stains, sealers, solvents, household cleaners, household chemicals, pool chemicals, herbicides, pesticides, acids, bases, mercury, fire extinguishers and propane tanks Paper for shredding (up to five boxes or…, said John Ansell, general manager for Richland County SW&R, . At collection events, “Waste tires collected are transported to a permitted tire recycler and transformed into a raw material that has many uses. This is an effective use of a waste product creating opportunities from something typically discarded.” Electronic waste will not be collected at this event, but items such as televisions, computers, printers, cellphones and tablets are accepted for…DHEC to Use EPA Funding for Six Waste Reduction and Recycling Projects in South Carolina
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 3, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ― A federal grant of nearly $600,000 has been awarded to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to help improve waste reduction and recycling initiatives across the state. The Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant was offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to address solid…, said Myra Reece, director of DHEC’s Environmental Affairs., “These projects will play an integral role assisting local government recycling programs throughout South Carolina, providing a fresh picture of the state’s solid waste stream, updating planning and making recycling more convenient for residents.” The federal funding will be used to support the following South Carolina projects: • , Conduct a waste characterization study., This study will show a representative sample of the type and amount of material being disposed of in South Carolina’s municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. The data is essential for local governments in planning to ensure necessary infrastructure, equipment, staffing, and funding are in place for the safe and efficient management of solid waste. The study also will identify material that could…, Update the State Solid Waste Plan., DHEC is required to develop a state plan that prioritizes waste prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and composting over disposal and incineration as well as set statewide waste reduction and recycling goals. The information provided by the waste characterization study will provide a fresh foundation for updating the plan. • , Create a “Recycle Right SC” app., The app will provide residents throughout South Carolina with up-to-date and convenient information on all of the state’s recycling programs, events being held in the community, and recycling options outside the local program as well as waste prevention and other green tips. • , Expand the “Don’t Waste Food SC” (DWFSC) campaign., The outreach campaign is designed to raise awareness of the economic, environmental, and social impacts of wasted food and steps stakeholders can take to reduce food waste at home, work, and school. The waste characterization study will provide fresh disposal and recovery data that will assist local programs to more efficiently manage organics. DHEC also will develop training initiatives for…, Launch the “Take Charge! Be Battery Smart” campaign., The campaign is designed to raise awareness of human health, safety, and environmental issues of the improper storage, use, disposal, and recycling of batteries. • , Create a construction and demolition (C&D) debris initiative, . This project will promote the recovery and reuse of this material, develop markets in partnership with the S.C. Department of Commerce and other stakeholders, and provide technical assistance to local governments, contractors, residents, and others. This is an extremely timely initiative as South Carolina is facing some of the nation’s highest population growth and building boom. DHEC’s Office…DHEC Lifts Temporary Swimming Advisory for Section of Beach on Edisto Island
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 30, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ̶ A section of beach along South Carolina's coast is no longer under a swim advisory, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported today. , The affected area was at Edingsville Beach near the access point on Lost Village Trail (station LC-075) in Edisto Island in Colleton County. Bacteria levels have returned to normal. , DHEC routinely collects water samples at more than 120 locations along South Carolina's beaches to monitor bacteria levels. Please visit scdhec.gov/BeachMonitoring for more information and to view recent water sampling results along the coast. For more information, call your local DHEC office: • Myrtle Beach 843-238-4378 • Charleston 843-953-0150 • Beaufort 843-846-1030 ###DHEC Issues Temporary Swimming Advisory for Section of Beach on Edisto Island
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 29, 2023 COLUMBIA, S.C. ̶ A section of beach along South Carolina's coast has been placed under a short-term swimming advisory , the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reports today. , The advisory is for water at Edingsville Beach near the access point on Lost Village Trail (station LC-075) in Colleton County. This swimming advisory is not a beach closing, nor does this advisory affect the entire beach. , Bacteria levels that are above state and federal standards have been detected in this area of water, and swimming is not advised in the area until bacteria levels return to normal. It’s safe to wade, collect shells and fish within this swimming advisory area. However, it’s advised that people entering the water in this area refrain from swallowing it, and that people with open wounds or…, This advisory only affects the area noted above. Short-term swimming advisories typically last just a few days and are lifted once follow-up water sampling shows bacteria levels have returned to normal. , DHEC routinely collects water samples at more than 120 locations along South Carolina's beaches to monitor bacteria levels. Please visit https://des.sc.gov/data-tools/beach-monitoring for more information and to view recent water sampling results along the coast. For more information, call your local DHEC office: Myrtle Beach 843-238-4378 Charleston 843-953-0150 Beaufort 843-846-1030