States and municipalities could create hundreds of new jobs by redoubling recycling efforts. On average, states recycle about 33% percent of municipal solid wastes, from soda cans to glass bottles.

The fifth-annual Green-Business Conference was held in Columbia, South Carolina. Business owners discussed their green business and sustainability efforts.

Recycling can mean increased jobs and saved revenues for states. In South Carolina alone, whose municipal solid waste recycling is only 22%, recycling has an estimated $6.5 billion impact on the state’s economy with 15,600 “identifiable jobs” and an impact on 38,000 total jobs – numbers that would rise with more recycling.

If every South Carolinian, business and residents, would increase recycling efforts, South Carolina could easily double the existing recycling workforce, creating hundreds of jobs throughout the state.

As in many cities in the West, Midwest and Northeast, recycling in Columbia, South Carolina is voluntary rather than mandatory, and the state’s more rural areas lack recycling programs altogether.

However, along with developing municipal recycling programs, states should also develop ways to attract and grow sustainable businesses such as incentives, tax reform, infrastructure maintenance and educational funding.

The Fibrex line of recycling containers is available for sale in South Carolina through our distributor: South Eastern Waste Equipment, Mr. Rex Norris, 951 Hampton Hill Road, Columbia, (803) 782-4898.