Publix Partners with County on Recycling

From Charleston County Government

Charleston County’s Solid Waste Committee Chair and County Councilmember Anna Johnson announces that Charleston County has partnered with Publix Super Markets to launch a pilot program for composting their organic waste. Starting the week of December 17, 2012, Charleston County’s Bees Ferry Landfill Compost Facility will receive produce and floral waste from five local Publix stores.

Once the organic waste arrives at the Compost Facility, it will be mixed with yard waste to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that Charleston County Government can market and sell.

“Charleston County’s Environmental Management Department staff is thrilled that Publix has decided to come on board with our commercial organic and food waste composting program. Their participation and tonnage will allow us to continue to create a higher quality and nutrient-rich end compost product that Charleston County residents and the local agricultural community should be proud to use,” said Charleston County Councilmember Colleen Condon. “We hope that more grocers will follow Publix’s lead and join our program, which has been developed to provide solutions to businesses wanting to divert more material for recycling and achieve higher recovery goals.”

The partnership will support Charleston County’s 40% recycling goal while allowing Publix to expand their recycling program, reduce disposal costs and increase recycling rates for their local stores.

“This partnership will be a win-win for Publix and Charleston County,” said Brenda Reid, media and community relations manager for Publix. “It will reduce the amount of product that goes into landfills and will create a natural resource that farmers and gardeners will use to grow food.”

For more information on recycling, contact the Charleston County Environmental Management Department at (843) 720-7111 or visit recycle.charlestoncounty.org.