Charleston County News Release
Release Number: 3452
Date: June 8, 2012
County Government and Parks Partner to Recycle
Charleston County Government and Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) have partnered to create a comprehensive recreational recycling program for the County parks. The partnership helps the County provide its residents the opportunity to recycle at home, work and play.
In October 2011, Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department and CCPRC staff conducted a waste assessment at CCPRC’s Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston to review the current recycling program and make recommendations to expand the park’s waste reduction and recycling plan. As a result, County Environmental Management staff provided the following recommendations:
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Develop educational materials to encourage more recycling participation and recovery from park attendees
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Switch to serving ware that is compostable/biodegradable
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Implement a food waste composting pilot program at the adjacent, seasonal waterpark: Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark
CCPRC recently announced a food waste recovery pilot program at Whirlin’ Waters, which has included converting to compostable serving ware and providing food waste collection bins within the water park for guests to dispose their compostable waste. Food Waste Disposal, a County food waste collection partner, is transporting the park’s food waste to the County’s Bees Ferry Landfill Compost Facility, where it is processed into a high quality compost product.
Based on the success of the pilot, CCPRC will consider expanding their food recovery efforts to other public spaces in the parks system.
“CCPRC visitors have been successfully participating in park recycling programs and special event composting for years,” says Mark Madden, Stewardship Manager for Charleston County Parks. “Diverting nearly all waterpark waste is the next step, and we are confident our visitors, staff and partners will work together to make it a huge success. CCPRC aims to foster environmental stewardship across the Commission’s park system and is committed to preserving our natural resources.”
In addition to conducting a waste assessment, Charleston County Government has provided a $5,000 intergovernmental contribution to procure additional recycling bins for Wannamaker County Park.
“The County is committed to providing recycling services for the CCPRC’s parks and special events,” said Charleston County Council Chairman Teddie E. Pryor, Sr. “Our partnership with the park system increases the amount of recyclable materials that we can get from CCPRC’s waste stream, which reduces the amount of materials entering our local landfill. This initiative helps support County Council’s goal of a 40% recycling rate throughout Charleston County.”
