South Carolina Recognizes Steel Mill for Recycling Success

SMI Steel, a West Columbia, S.C.-based mini-mill, recently was honored by the Business Recycling Assistance Program for having the state’s Best Industry Recycling Program.

SMI was recognized for its exemplary efforts to divert numerous materials from its waste stream in favor of recycling. Waste reduction and recycling activities have been implemented throughout all areas of the mini-steel mill, including its melt shop, roll mill, customer service/transportation area, and its administrative offices, resulting in the reduction of trash containers from 20 to four.

“SMI has gone beyond the typical office paper and cardboard recycling to incorporate a variety of materials such as pallets, fluorescent bulbs, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, computer equipment, oily rags and mats, aerosol cans, and parts washer solvents,” said Karen Owens, manager of the Business Recycling Assistance Program. “Its waste reduction team has been successful in getting management support as well as buy-in from co-workers.”

The SMI team has used proceeds from its aluminum drink can collections for its employees’ emergency fund. The company also participated in the Great American Clean Up last April, accepting nearly 9 tons of scrap metal from the general public as part of a special Saturday collection. The Great American Clean Up recruits volunteers to assist in community beautification and litter clean up projects as part of a national effort to promote environmental stewardship.

Barnet Polymers was presented with honorable mention for its waste reduction and recycling activities. The Spartanburg County business has taken strides to reuse or recycle its extrusion waste.

The Horry County Solid Waste Authority received recognition for its efforts to promote business recycling within its county. Currently, more than 565 businesses are enrolled in its business recycling program, with nearly 7,500 tons of cardboard and 1,000 tons of office paper collected in Fiscal Year 2003. The county also provides marketing assistance, personalized waste audits, and customized training programs for area businesses.