Key Insights from the 2024 RMDAC Annual Report: South Carolina’s Recycling Industry at-a-Glance
South Carolina’s recycling industry continues to be a powerful economic driver, generating $13.6 billion annually and attracting billions in investment. The 2024 RMDAC Annual Report highlights key trends, industry growth, and strategic efforts to advance circularity across the state.
Whether it’s working toward waste reduction sustainability goals or striving for overall resource efficiency, one thing is clear – circularity has become a critical focus for companies. Sustain SC, through our Circular Economy Accelerator, collaborates with industries across South Carolina to re-envision waste as an economic engine for the state's future. The recently published 2024 Recycling Market Development Advisory Council (RMDAC) Annual Report underscores these efforts, highlighting South Carolina’s leadership in recycling innovation and sustainable growth.
The 2024 RMDAC Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview of South Carolina’s recycling industry, highlighting its significant contributions to the state’s economy, key industry trends, and strategic recommendations for future growth. The report also marks an important milestone in the collective efforts of The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the state's recycling industry. As Anna DeLage, Recycling Market Development Manager states, "The release of the Recycling Market Development Advisory Council’s 2024 Annual Report marks an important milestone in S.C. Commerce's collective efforts to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of the state's recycling industry. In continuing to build partnerships and implement forward-thinking strategies, we remain committed to creating a more resilient recycling ecosystem that delivers both environmental and economic benefits." RMDAC, a 14-member, Governor-appointed council established under S.C. Commerce, plays a crucial role in supporting the state’s recycling sector by fostering market development, increasing material recovery, and strengthening the recycling value chain. With the industry now generating over $13.6 billion annually, the RMDAC report underscores the vital role recycling plays in both economic development and environmental responsibility.
A Year of Growth and Investment
In 2024, South Carolina saw an impressive $8.19 billion in capital investment, with the recycling industry playing a key role in this economic activity. The state is home to more than 300 recycling-related businesses, including collectors, processors, manufacturers and equipment makers. According to the RMDAC Report, four new recycling companies invested a total of $45.75 million and created 164 new jobs in 2024, reinforcing the industry’s economic impact.
Recycling Industry Trends and Key Sectors
The RMDAC report identifies several key materials and sectors that continue to shape the state’s recycling industry:
Paper Recycling: Despite the closure of the Georgetown paper mill, South Carolina remains home to four paper mills using recovered paper, including Greif (Taylors), Smurfit WestRock (Cowpens and Florence) and Sonoco (Hartsville).
Metal Recycling: Electric arc furnaces (EAFs) play a key role in South Carolina’s steel production, offering an alternative to traditional blast furnaces. By using electrical energy to melt scrap steel, EAFs reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption. Major EAF facilities in the state include Nucor Steel Darlington, Nucor Steel Berkeley, and CMC South Carolina Steel.
Plastic Recycling: The Carolina Plastics Recycling Council launched the ‘Your Plastic Means Products’ roadshow, which highlighted businesses utilizing recycled plastics and strategies to improve material availability.
Glass Recycling: The acquisition of Strategic Materials Inc. by Sibelco signals shifts in the glass recycling market, with processors like The Upcycling Company and Fisher Recycling continuing operations in the state.
Organics Recycling: Expansion efforts include Lexington County’s bid for a composting operation and the transfer of Twin Chimney’s composting facility operations to Greenville County.
Tire Recycling: South Carolina, the leader of tire manufacturing in the U.S., is also home to multiple waste tire recycling and processing facilities, ensuring compliance with landfill disposal bans.
State Recycling Resources
South Carolina supports its recycling efforts through valuable programs like the SC Materials Exchange and the SC Recycling Markets Directory. The SC Materials Exchange helps businesses find surplus materials for reuse, while the SC Recycling Markets Directory connects organizations with recyclers. These programs streamline the recycling process and help improve material recovery by creating clear pathways for businesses to access recycling services and reuse opportunities.
Looking Ahead
South Carolina’s recycling industry continues to evolve, with ongoing investments in innovation and infrastructure. The RMDAC report highlights the importance of balancing economic growth with sustainability, ensuring that businesses and communities alike benefit from enhanced recycling efforts.
As the state builds upon its strengths in material recovery and market development, organizations like RMDAC and Sustain SC will play a key role in advancing circular economy initiatives. With continued collaboration and strategic investments, South Carolina is well-positioned to remain a leader in sustainable development and recycling innovation.
You can read the full 2024 RMDAC Report here.
