2011 County Pilot Programs
Pilot Program: Home | FAQ | Pilot Neighborhoods | Map Overview
Single-stream Recycling Residential Pilot Program
As part of its ongoing commitment to increase the recycling rate in Charleston County, the Environmental Management Department has launched a new single-stream recycling residential pilot program. Beginning January 17, 2011, residents in select neighborhoods throughout the County received a blue roll-cart for all their recyclables. Instead of being sorted into separate bins, paper and commingled materials will go all in one cart for those participating in the pilot program.
Approximately 4,600 homes in James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and West Ashley will participate in the pilot program, slated to last about six months. Collection by Charleston County begins January 24th and collection days will remain the same. Collections personnel will use special automated trucks equipped with mechanical arms to lift and empty the roll-carts at the curb. Since the driver does not have to exit the vehicle and repeatedly lift heavy bins, the process is faster, more cost-efficient, and safer.
The pilot program will measure the variances in participation rates, material volumes, tons diverted from the landfill, effect of different cart sizes and types of equipment, production rates, and safety improvements. Based on this data, recommendations for future county-wide collection systems will be developed.