Single Stream Program

All-In-One Residential Recycling

All-In-One Residential Recycling

Charleston County residential recycling program is single stream instead of separating recyclables by type, residents can combine all paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and plastic containers into one wheeled roll cart. This 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 having to separate recyclables into two containers for collection via the old dual stream program. Rather than using two or more 22-gallon curbside bins, the single stream residential recycling program allows residents to use one 95-gallon roll cart collected once every two weeks.

Program History

All-In-One Residential Recycling

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 continued to incrementally expand the program to include all areas currently serviced on curbside recycling routes, implementing a County-wide program in June 2014.