About the Program

Charleston County’s successful Single Stream Residential Recycling Program, also referred to as All-In-One Residential, is incrementally expanding across the County. With single stream recycling, instead of separating recyclables by type, residents can combine all glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and plastics into one wheeled roll cart. This All-In-One cart-based method of recycling is an easier way for residents to recycle. Instead of carrying multiple bins to the curb, residents are able to simply roll a cart to the curb. This state-of-the-art program utilizes automated trucks to collect recyclables that can be placed together in a single roll cart, as opposed to be separated into two containers for collection via a dual stream program. Rather than using two or more 22-gallon curbside bins, the All-In-One recycling program allows residents to use one 95-gallon roll cart collected once every two weeks. One roll cart has the carrying capacity to store more than 4 times the amount of accumulated recyclable materials than one curbside bin!

All-In-One Recycling	Automated Collection Service

Program Results to Date

In January 2011, Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department launched a pilot program involving 4,600 homes across the county. The County observed a considerable increase in the amount of recyclable material collected from each residence participating in the All-In-One pilot program. The All-In-One program averaged 21 pounds of recyclable material per home per pickup, a significant increase from the 10 pounds per home per pickup with the standard dual stream curbside bin program. Additionally, following a 6,000 home expansion in October 2011, the County observed participation rates as high as 70% in All-In-One areas, compared with rates averaging 35%-40% for the rest of the County. Based on the success of the pilot, Charleston County Council has decided to incrementally expand the All-In-One program, implementing a County-wide program upon completion of a new recycling center.

Materials to Recycle in the All-In-One Program

There is no need for separation with the cart system and you can put it “All-In-One” - the blue cart! The list of acceptable materials is listed below:

ALL PAPER PRODUCTS (for example):

• Flattened corrugated cardboard
• Newspapers, magazines, and catalogs (including inserts)
• Junk mail & envelopes
• Office paper (colored & white) and file folders
• Brown paper bags
• Books (including paperbacks, textbooks, & hardbacks)
• Paperboard boxes, such as cereal boxes (remove plastic liner)

COMMINGLED PRODUCTS (for example):

• Plastics #1 through #7
• Glass jars & bottles
• Aluminum cans & baking pans
• Steel & tin cans
• Empty aerosol (spray) cans
• Milk & juice cartons

Items Not Accepted:

• Garbage
• Styrofoam
• Hazardous waste and toxic household products
• Electronics, batteries, light bulbs, and CFL's
• Motor oil and paint
• Yard waste

Note: Take the non-acceptable items to a Charleston County Convenience Center. For more information on locations visit:
http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/solidwaste/D-recyLocat.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why recycle?

A: With just a little effort, recycling pays back huge dividends to our community. The benefits of recycling are:

• Saves energy.
• Reduces pollution.
• Preserves natural resources.
• Decreases the amount of materials buried in landfills.
• Minimizes the expansion of landfills in residential areas.
• Reduces our reliance on landfills.

Q: What is single-stream recycling?

A: Instead of separating your recyclables, you can put them all-in-one roll cart for automated collection into one single stream of materials in one container instead of separating out into two separate streams into two containers (dual stream). The sorting is done for you at the recycling center. We make it easier so you’ll recycle more!

Q: What is automated collection?

A: It is a new way of collection for the County using a special truck with a robotic arm that does the lifting and emptying for the driver. It is faster, safer, more cost efficient, and cleaner.

Q: When can I expect to recieve a roll cart?

A: The County's All-In-One Recycling Program is continuing to expand. Residents will be notified by mail when their neighborhood is selected for service. Shortly following this initial contact, a new blue roll cart will be delivered to each residence, along with additional information on how to best prepare the container for proper service.

Q: Will my collection day change?

A: No, it will still be every other week on the same schedule. Remember to have your cart curbside by 7 am so you get serviced and help our routes run efficiently and reduce pollution.

Q: Can I use my existing blue recycling bin?

A: No, only the roll carts can be used for this program due to the type of automated truck being used to service them. Please retain your smaller recycling bins. Use the old bins for recycling stations around your home.

Q: Where should I place the cart?

A: It is very important that you place your roll cart properly at the curb so the robotic arm can lift it. Keep a clearance zone of 3 feet around the cart, away from mailboxes, parked cars, trash cans or trees. Arrows point toward the street and the handle points toward your home. Lid is closed.

For more curbside cart placement guidelines, please click here.

Q: When should I put the cart out?

A: Your cart should be at the curb before 7:00 a.m. on your scheduled pickup day. After it is emptied, return it to your garage or backyard storage area to keep it safe and clean.

Q: What about large corrugated cardboard boxes?

A: Corrugated cardboard is valuable for recycling. Please flatten your boxes and put them in the cart. If your boxes do not fit in the cart, break them down and place beside the cart. Please cut large appliance boxes down to sizes closer to 3 x 3 feet so they fit in the truck.

If you have any questions or concerns, call the Charleston County Recycling Center at (843) 720-7111.