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SCDES Encourages Recycling and Food Waste Reduction as New Study Details Types, Amounts of Materials Entering S.C.’s Landfills

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 2, 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. —  The S.C. Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) today announced the findings of South Carolina’s first comprehensive Statewide Waste Characterization Study, which provides an in-depth look at the materials entering the state’s landfills. The study identified food waste as the No. 1 item thrown away by South Carolinians, meaning natural resources, energy and money are also being squandered as a result of uneaten food.

The primary purpose of the Statewide Waste Characterization Study – which was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through a Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program and performed by MSW Consultants – was to examine the amount by weight and type of municipal solid waste (MSW) thrown away by households, businesses and institutions, including materials that potentially could have been recycled or diverted from landfill disposal.

"This study gives us a realistic look at our waste stream and the opportunities there are to make positive impacts on sustainable waste management,” said SCDES director Myra Reece. “This data report is essential for evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of current efforts as well as for targeting specific materials, increasing diversion rates, and maximizing the lifespan of our landfills.”

Key takeaways from the study include:

• Overall, about 17% (612,727 tons) of the total MSW disposed of (3,574,431 tons) was comprised of traditional recyclables — such as cardboard, paper, aluminum and steel cans, plastic containers, glass jars — that could have been recycled. This material resulted in more than $27 million in disposal costs and an estimated $91 million in lost recycling market value.

• Unwanted food is the No.1 item thrown way by Americans nationwide, and in South Carolina. The study found that food waste (both loose and packaged) was the No.1 MSW item in the state’s landfills, accounting for 26.2% or 939,464 tons.

• Paper — including cardboard, mixed recyclable paper and compostable paper — was second at 24.4% or 873,943 tons. Cardboard, which is one of the most valuable recyclables, has a 55% capture rate.
  “The safe and efficient management of solid waste is a work in progress,” Reece said. “The numbers on food waste and paper reflect clear opportunities for South Carolina to divert about 50% of the municipal solid waste disposed of in the state through improved prevention, donation and composting.”

In addition to taking up landfill space, thrown-away food wastes the labor, energy, water, land and other resources used to produce and package the food. Even more energy and resources are wasted during the transport of that food from the producer to grocery stores to people’s plates.

SCDES continue to address the issue of food waste through its Don’t Waste Food SC (DWFSC) outreach campaign. Calls to action are available at des.sc.gov/DWFSC and include ways to donate unneeded food to local food-insecure families, meal prepping and planning, and recycling and composting resources.

SCDES also is working with local governments, the EPA, and key stakeholders on ways to take a collaborative approach to growing the state’s composting infrastructure and turning food waste into a valuable product. The agency has recently partnered with Go See the City, a national initiative that streamlines the donation of unsold food to local charities and food banks. These efforts help reduce waste, conserve natural resources and benefit communities.

In addition, SCDES is hosting a statewide Food Waste Summit on June 16 in Columbia to bring together partners and stakeholders to discuss the challenges presented by food waste and explore ways to work together. For more information about the upcoming Food Waste Summit, email dontwastefoodsc@des.sc.gov.

The Statewide Waste Characterization Study was conducted during the summer and fall of 2025 and involved collecting representative samples of MSW and construction and demolition debris at eight landfills and four transfer stations throughout South Carolina. Field research teams employed two data collection methods to characterize disposed-of waste: manual sampling of inbound loads and visual surveys.

“We will be using the study’s findings and recommendations to develop a revised South Carolina solid waste management plan,” said Reece. “As our state continues to grow in population, development and industry, it’s never been more important to make sure that South Carolina, as a whole, is taking a united approach to sustainable waste management that protects our communities and our irreplaceable natural resources.

The Statewide Waste Characterization Study, additional data and reports, resources, tips, educational materials and more are available at des.sc.gov/recycling.

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