Impact of recycling in South Carolina
reported
The South Carolina Recycling Market Development
Advisory Council, managed within the South Carolina Department of
Commerce, released results from a new economic impact study that
shows recycling still plays an important role in the State’s
economy.
According to the study conducted by Frank Hefner
and Calvin Blackwell, economists at the College of Charleston, the
recycling industry creates an estimated $6.5 billion total economic
impact in the State’s economy.
This can be attributed to the more than 300 recycling
companies in the state which include haulers, processors, recycled
product manufacturers and equipment makers.
The study further suggests the recycling industry
is growing and new markets for recyclables are emerging. As such,
the recycling industry is anticipated to grow at an annual rate
of 12 percent each year over the next 5 years, leading to a potential
$11 billion economic impact.
Hefner and Blackwell found that for every ton
of municipal solid waste (MSW) that is recycled instead of landfilled
represents a significant cost savings.
“This study builds on the Council’s
past work and achievements. It provides insight as to how recycling
markets are directly impacting the state’s economy,”
said Gerry Fishbeck, chairman of the Recycling Market Development
Advisory Council. “Based on the numbers in this study, it
clearly shows that it does pay to recycle.”
For more information on this study, recycling
programs and efforts, visit www.sccommerce.com/recycling.html.
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