Tomorrow is Earth Day, so we're answering some frequently asked questions about recycling in Charleston County.

What is recycling?

Recycling is a process by which materials that would otherwise become trash are collected, processed, and reused.

How do I get a recycling container?

You can request a bin for single family households, apartments + condos, businesses, or special events.

What day will my recycling be picked up?

Find your day by clicking on the color where you live.

What if I have boxes I need to recycle?

Everything that you want recycled must be in the blue cart to be picked up. You can break down or cut the cardboard boxes to size. For bigger items that need recycling, find your nearest dropsite.

Should I put recyclables in a bag?

No. Empty recyclables loosely into your blue recycling cart. Then, reuse or dispose of the plastic bag or recycle the paper bag used to transport the recyclables to the cart.

✅ What to recycle:

Paper
Aluminum + steel cans
Cardboard + paperboard
Cartons
Plastic containers + bottles
Glass bottles + jars

🚫 What not to recycle:

No plastic bags or plastic wrap
No styrofoam packaging or food containers
No household garbage
No electronics, batteries, or light bulbs
No construction debris
No food waste or yard waste
No clothing or shoes
No motor oil or cooking oil

If you’re unsure about an item, check the full list of what is recyclable.

To learn more about the program, visit the Charleston County Environmental Management page which includes a dictionary of common terms and a history of local recycling.

Happy recycling, Holy City.