Study Touts Economic Benefits of Recycling

The South Carolina Recycling Market Development Advisory Council released results from an economic impact study showing recycling plays an important role in the state’s economy.

According to the study conducted by Frank Hefner and Calvin Blackwell, economists at the College of Charleston, the recycling industry creates an estimated $6.5 billion total economic impact in the state. This can be attributed to the more than 300 recycling companies in the state, including haulers, processors, recycled product manufacturers and equipment makers. The study suggests the recycling industry is growing and new markets for recyclables are emerging. The recycling industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 12 percent a year over the next five years, leading to a potential $11 billion economic impact.

"In 2004, the cost to landfill one ton of MSW was $32. Adjusting for inflation, if all of the recyclable material in landfills had been recycled, that would have saved more than $30 million," said Hefner. Recycling is not only beneficial to the state’s economic health, but also to building a sustainable business environment as well.

"This study builds on the Council’s past work and achievements. It provides insight as to how recycling markets are directly impacting our state’s economy," said Gerry Fishbeck, chairman of the Recycling Market Development Advisory Council. "Based on the numbers in this study, it clearly shows that it does pay to recycle."

Future goals of the statewide council, which consists of recycling industry representatives as well as public and governmental representatives, include defining recycling as an economic cluster in South Carolina, increasing the capital investment in South Carolina’s recycling industry, and helping expand recycling related jobs. The study was commissioned by the council in conjunction with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.