Recycling A-Z
A | B | C | E | F | G | H | I | J | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans must be completely empty of contents, and have the plastic cap removed. Please place in your recycling container.
Aluminum Cans
Please place aluminum cans in your recycling bin or drop them off at the Stone Avenue Recycling Center or the Rutherford Road Recycling Center.
Architectural Salvage
Please take any architectural salvage to Habitat for Humanity. If you have any questions, please contact Habitat for Humanity at 864-298-0099.
Appliances
The City of Greenville collects appliances at the curb for City garbage customers. If you wish to have this service at your home, please call 864-467-4345. Other organizations that collect appliances are:
- Goodwill Industries: 864-351-0100
- Habitat for Humanity: 864-298-0099
- Miracle Hill Ministries: 864-242-6931
- Salvation Army: 864-235-4803
Asphalt
If you require assistance with the collection of asphalt, please call on of the following:
- Ashmore Brothers: 864-879-4298
- King Asphalt, Inc.: 864-855-0338
B
Baby Gear Recycling
If you wish to recycle your old baby gear, rather than just throw it away, BabyEarth can be of help to you.
Batteries
It is now safe for
Car batteries, rechargeable batteries and cell phone batteries must be taken to an approved collection site. Visit earth911.com for locations.
For
Books
Please deposit books into the mixed paper container at the Stone Avenue Recycling Center. Please remove the binding and cover, and any other material such as (plastic dust jackets or bookmarks) that are not paper before putting in the recycling bin.
The following organizations also accept books:
· Goodwill Industries: 864-351-0100
· Greenville Literacy Association 864-467-3456
· Habitat for Humanity: 864-298-0099
· Miracle Hill Ministries: 864-242-6931
· Salvation Army: 864-235-4803
C
Carpet / Carpet Pad
For carpet that is in good condition:
- Habitat for Humanity: 864-298-0099
- Miracle Hill Ministries: 864-242-6931
For carpet that is old and / or in bad shape:
- Lafarge North America: 843-462-7141
- Southeastern Plastics Recovery: 843-308-5800
Cartridges
If you have copier, fax, laser or toner cartridges, please recycle them at these retail locations:
- Office Depot
- Office Max
- Staples
Cell Phones
Verizon Wireless accepts old phones and will pay for the postage to return them. You have the option of getting a Verizon credit or gift card.
Chemicals Hazardous Waste Management Companies
- Carolina Environmental Assoc Inc.: 800-848-2324
- Hazpro: 864-848-1312
For additional information on chemical disposal, contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control office at 864-241-1090.
Clothing & Accessories
Clothes can be donated to charitable organizations such as:
- Dress for Success: donate dresses for out-of-work mothers
- Goodwill Industries: 864-351-0100
- Green Karat: recycle your old jewelry
- Greenville Rescue Mission: 864-242-6933
- Habitat for Humanity: 864-298-0099
- Junior League Nearly New Shop: 864-232-1051
- Miracle Hill Ministries: 864-242-6931
- Safe Harbor: 864-467-1177
- Salvation Army: 864-235-4803
- Palmetto State Thrift Company: 864-962-3133
Coat Hangers
Dry cleaners may accept wire coat hangers for recycling. Check the yellow pages for listings.
Computer Equipment
- See Electronics
Concrete & Construction Waste
- ACE Environmental: 864-947-8100
- Concrete Recycling: 864-579-3794
- Pavement Products and Services: 864-233-1990
Construction Waste
- DHEC Center for Waste Minimization
The Department of Health and Environmental Control helps facilities improve their environmental performance through sustainable environmental initiatives.
Corrugated Cardboard
Flattened cardboard with all debris removed can be placed at the curb for pick-up, or can be delivered to the Stone Avenue Recycling Center.
Corks
Whole Foods is partnering with the Cork Forest Conservation Alliance to recycle corks.
E
Egg Cartons
Paper cartons can be placed in your curbside bin or taken to the Rutherford Road or Stone Avenue Recycling Center. Styrofoam cartons can be taken to Publix Grocery Stores, where recycling bins are set up outside the front doors. Another option is to donate them to schools or churches for reuse.
Electronic Equipment & Scrap
Special Notice: Electronics Ban in Effect Beginning July 1, 2011:
- It is against the law to dispose of computers, computer monitors, televisions and printers (as well as parts of any of these items) in a recycling or trash container
For more information about this law, view the S.C. Code of Law, 48-60-90, and ways to lawfully recycle the electronics listed online.
The City of Greenville holds two electronics recycling days each year to collect these items. Or, you may drop off electronics anytime at the following Greenville County recycling centers 7:00 a.m-6:00 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday:
Eastside Area and South of Greer
Enoree Residential Waste and Recycling Center
1311 Anderson Ridge Road, Greer 29651
Greer and Blue Ridge Area
O'Neal Residential Waste and Recycling Center
3769 Camp Road, Greer 29651
Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Fountain Inn
Simpsonville Residential Waste and Recycling Center
517 Hipps Road, Simpsonville 29680
South Greenville
Piedmont Residential Waste and Recycling Center
200 Owens Road, Piedmont 29673
Travelers Rest and Slater-Marietta
Echo Valley Residential Waste and Recycling Center
3705 Geer Highway, Marietta 29690
West Greenville and the Downtown Area
Blackberry Valley Residential Waste and Recycling Center
409 Blackberry Valley Road Greenville, 29617
Countywide
Twin Chimneys Landfill
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
11075 Augusta Road, Honea Path 29654
There are special events and programs in Greenville to help you recycle electronic equipment:
- Best Buy Recycling Program
- Walmart Electronics Trade In and Recycling Program
- Guide to Recycling Electronics and Scrap
- Think Green from Home
- Office Depot Tech Recycling Program
- Interconnection Computer Recycling and Reuse
If you have any questions, please contact local companies such as:
- Clean Lites: 864-503-9900
- Earth Protection Services Inc. (EPSI): 864-847-7700
Contact the Goodwill Computer Store in Simpsonville for refurbishing and recycling options. Goodwill computer drop-off locations can also be found at the Blackberry Valley, O'Neal, Piedmont and Enoree County-run convenience centers.
Donations: Some public schools, churches, and non-profit organizations accept some used computer equipment for reuse. You will need to call to confirm prior to delivery. For more information on electronics recycling:
- Cleanlites Recycling, Inc.
- County Solid Waste Division: 864-297-8558.
- Electronics Recycling to Benefit the Humane Society
Eyeglasses
Donate used eyeglasses:
- Haywood Mall: 864-234-7200
- LensCrafters
101 Verdae Boulevard
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: 864-676-1122
Check the Yellow Pages under "Opticians" for additional listings.
F
FedEx Envelopes
Tyvek or FedEx envelopes can be recycled free by calling Tyvek at 866-338-9835. They will send a recycling pouch with a pre-addressed label so you can easily mail it back in.
Fleece / Polartec
To easily recycle your patagonia fleece clothing, visit Patagonia's website.
Fluorescent Bulbs
Fluorescent light bulbs should be recycled with household hazardous waste recyclables due to the mercury content in these lights. For more information, contact a local fluorescent bulb recycler such as:
- Clean Lite Recycling South, Inc. (CRI): 864-503-9900
- EPSI: 864-847-7700
Information on advantages of fluorescent bulb disposal:
Foam Packaging
EPS National Mail-Back Option: If there is no EPS recycling in your community please send it via U.S. Postal Service or other carrier to Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers (AFPR). Average shipping fees range from $1.50 - $9 based on the total packaging weight. To maximize your EPS recycling efforts via the mail-back option we recommend the following:
- Make sure the EPS is clean and free of any plastic film, loose parts or glued-on cardboard.
- To increase the amount of EPS in each shipping container, it can be easily broken or cut into smaller pieces so that more foam can fit in individual boxes. AFPR will also recycle the corrugated boxes used to ship the EPS.
- When shipping EPS biomedical coolers simply tape the top and bottom pieces together with shipping tape and apply the label and postage directly to the EPS. An outer, corrugated box is not necessary.
- AFPR does not accept extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam including meat trays, cups, egg cartons or other disposable food service items for recycling.
- Prepare shipping label and affix postage for delivery to: Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers
1298 Cronson Boulevard
Suite 201
Crofton, MD 21114 - To facilitate shipping from home, the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides numerous options for printing labels and / or postage using online resources. This convenience also allows you to have the shipment picked up by your local USPS carrier as outbound mail.
EPS can be identified by the number 6 plastic resin identification code. Many types of foam plastic are not clearly marked, if you have questions please contact AFPR at 410-451-8340 for clarification.
To obtain information about other recycling opportunities, including food service, rigid durable goods and other plastics, please check the U.S. and Canadian Recycled Plastic Markets Database. For loose fill, peanut recycling please call the Peanut Hotline at 800-828-2214.
The information contained herein is subject to change and is provided without any express or implied warranty as to its truthfulness or accuracy. The Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers does not endorse the products or processes of any individual manufacturer or recycler.
Freon
Freon should be recycled with Household Hazardous Waste. Please contact the Greenville County Department of Health and Environmental Control at 864-241-1090.
Furniture
- Goodwill Industries: 864-351-0100
- Habitat for Humanity: 864-298-0099
- Miracle Hill Ministries: 864-242-6931
- Salvation Army: 864-235-4803
G
Gasoline / Diesel Fuel
You can recycle gasoline and diesel fuel at Blackberry Valley Convenience Center. View Greenville County's website for more information.
Glass
Glass bottles and jars will no longer be accepted for curbside pickup or recycling center drop off. Please include them in your household waste.
Also not accepted:
- Ceramics
- Drinking glasses
- Light bulbs
- Plate glass
H
Holiday Lights
Holiday string lights and extension cords can NOT be placed inside of your recycling carts or dropped off at recycling centers. However, local metal recyclers will accept them and scrap them for the copper. Please contact local metal recyclers in your area.
J
Junk Mail
Stop junk mail and unwanted catalogs by writing "Return to Sender" and placing back in the mail or contact the sender and ask them to remove you from their list.
You may also write directly to:
- ADVO - System, Inc.
Director of List Maintenance
239 West Service Road
Hartford, CT 06120-1280 - Customer Service Department
National Demographics and Lifestyles
Denver, CO 80202 - Mail Preference Service/Telephone Preference Service
Direct Marketing Association
PO Box 90008
Farmington, NY 11735-9008
M
Magazines
You may recycle magazines at the curb or at Stone Avenue Recycling Center or you may take your slightly worn magazines to any of the following:
- Churches
- Doctor's offices
- Elementary schools
- Health clubs
- Hospitals
Medication Disposal
A permanent drug disposal container is now available in the Greenville County Law Enforcement Center located at 4 McGee Street in Greenville. This option is available to you 24/7.
Mercury Containing Materials & Hazardous Waste
- EcoLights: 206-343-7443
- Energy Star
- LEI (Lamp Environmental Industries)
- Metro Zeal: 866-676-3066
- Product Stewardship
- Thermostats: 800-238-8192
- USA Lamp Pre-paid Recycling Program
Also, see Fluorescent Bulbs.
Metals
See Scrap Metal.
Mixed Paper
A mixture of papers including:
- Cardboard
- Cereal and cracker boxes
- Envelopes
- File folders
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Office paper
- Phone books
Mixed paper is accepted at the curb or at the Stone Avenue Recycling Center.
N
Newspaper
Place used newspapers in a recycling bin at the curb or at any the Stone Avenue Recycling Center.
O
Cooking Oil
Collect the oil and allow it to solidify, then place it in
Motor Oil
People who would like to take care of motor oil themselves can take used oil to any of the County Convenience Centers or to a local automotive retailer such as:
- Advance Auto
- Auto Zone
- Jiffy Lube
- O'Reilly Auto Parts
- Pep Boys
- Tractor Supply Company
- Wal-Mart Supercenter
Remember, never pour used oil on the ground, into sewer drains, or into surface water or
For more information on proper disposal of used oil, contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control at 800-768-7348.
Oil Filters
Oil Filters can be recycled at one of the County Convenience Centers.
P
PackaginG (STYROFOAM)
- Be sure your packing peanuts aren't the biodegradable type which you can put in flower beds and vegetable gardens or in your compost pile as they are cornstarch-based.
- Publix supermarkets accepts clean foam meat trays and egg cartons for recycling. Look for the green bins outside the stores. Please consider buying eggs in fiber-based containers as they are much easier to recycle.
- Post-industrial expanded polystyrene isn't economically or environmentally feasible to recycle due to the cost and storage time to gather a truckload quantity in addition to driving the load across the country to a market.
Paint
Please do not leave paint at the Stone Avenue Recycling Center.
Many charitable organizations will take good used paint. Check with your local schools, churches and theaters prior to disposal.
When disposing of your paint, the content must be dry. To properly dry the contents, add sand or kitty litter to the liquid and place into your garbage cart.
Pallets
Pallets are recyclable. Please check yellow pages for additional listings. Call 467-8300 for additional vendors.
- Henson's Inc: 828-859-5836
- Pallet Solutions: 864-895-2145
Paper
Use canvas bags when shopping to avoid those extra bags from the grocery store. Many grocery stores sell canvas and mesh bags at a reasonable price. A canvas bag will hold more items, will not break and scatter your groceries, and the handles make the bags much easier to manage.
Also see mixed paper or office paper.
Pesticides
Purchase less toxic products when available, and only the amount you need. Do not overuse the product - more is not better. Donate unused portions of pesticides to neighbors, churches, and community groups.
Phone Books
Recycle phone books in your recycling bin at the curb or at the Stone Avenue Recycling Center drop-off or convenience centers.
Photographic Chemicals
Don't contaminate our drinking water by pouring chemicals into your drain!
Plastic Bags
Please return your plastic bags to your local supermarket for recycling. This includes:
- All clean, clear bags labeled with a Number 2 or Number 4
- Plastic dry cleaning bags
- Plastic newspaper bags
- Retail bags (hard plastic and string handles removed)
Plastic Newspaper Bags and Grocery Bags are not accepted in curbside bins or at the drop-off centers. Please try to reuse grocery bags for storage or for trash can liners or return to the local supermarket.
Note: Please ensure that all plastic bags are clean and dry. Please remove receipts.
The following are considered film contaminants, please do not include:
- No Film bags that have been painted or glued
- No Film bags that have had direct contact with food or organic material
- No Food Wrap (e.g., Saran Wrap®)
Plastic Containers
The city accepts all plastic bottles and jugs, and all plastic containers numbered 1-7.
Polystyrene & Polyethylene
Polystyrene and polyethylene can be recycled at:
- The Bean Bag Boys, Inc: 803-356-0326
- Plastics Reclaim: 864-421-0402
- Polymer Recovery Group: 704-391-2470
- Trademark Corporation: 879-1186
Propane Tanks
Please visit the Rhino Recycling website for more information.
S
Scrap Metal
City solid waste customers can put all scrap metal and appliances at the curb for recycling. Call 864-467-4345 to arrange a pickup. Non-City customers can call the following vendors or check the Yellow Pages for the most updated listings:
- CRG 864-294-4608/800-225-2898
- Dixie Iron & Metal 864-232-4490
- Greer Metals 864-879-3936
- M&M 864-363-5440
- Norris Iron & Metal: 864-232-4490
Shipping Material
For shipping, replace foam or bubble wrap with balled up newspaper or magazine pages.
Shoes
Nike's Reuse-A-Shoe Program: Athletic shoes can be recycled in to playgrounds, running tracks and basketball courts. Ship old and defective shoes of any brand to:
Nike Recycling Center
c/o Reuse A Shoe
26755 95th Street
Wilsonville , OR 97070
Also, shoes in wearable condition should be donated to any of the following:
- Goodwill Industries: 864-351-0100
- Greenville Rescue Mission : 864-242-6933
- Habitat for Humanity: 864-298-0099
- Miracle Hill Ministries: 864-242-6931
- Safe Harbor : 864-467-1177
- Salvation Army: 864-235-4803
Check out more recycled footwear donation programs at Recycled Runners.
Smoke Detectors
Photoelectric smoke detectors are not hazardous to the environment and can be disposed of in the trash. However, ionizing smoke detectors should be returned to the manufacturer. If you are unsure which type you have, return it to the manufacturer to be safe.
Sports Equipment
Good, used sporting equipment can be donated to local churches, schools, and civic organizations.
Play it Again Sports also takes used equipment. Please call them at 864-268-2407 for more information.
Steel Cans
Steel cans may be placed at the curb or at:
Stone Avenue Recycling Center
800 E Stone Avenue
Greenville, SC 29601
Styrofoam
- See Packaging
Syringes
Presently, there is no program for recycling syringes. Please contact your health provider for disposal options or purchase Sharps containers to participate in the mail-back program.
Otherwise, please place your needles in a thick plastic container such as a detergent jug, tightly screw the cap back on and tape the top to the neck and body of the container. Throw this container into your garbage and place the bag into your cart, not your recycling bin. Please help keep City employees safe by using this practice.
For more information, please visit the Safe Needle Disposal website.
T
Textiles
- J.G. Thompson Enterprises: 828-453-0034
Also, see clothing.
Tires
Rimless tires used on cars, motorcycles, vans and small trucks will be collected at the curb. However, no large truck tires, farm equipment tires or other heavy equipment tires will be picked up. Please call customer service at 864-467-4345 for pick-up.
Televisions
- See Electronics
W
Wood
Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper without metal, foil or cellophane material is recyclable, however its high-clay and low-paper content make it difficult to recycle. Instead, get creative and choose reused/reusable alternatives like comics, posters, maps, blueprints, or calendars (all recyclable), fabric, reusable paper or cloth gift bags or bandannas.
Y
Yard Waste
May be placed at the curb for collection on your regular garbage day. The yard waste is ground into mulch at the Enoree Landfill and is made available to residents of Greenville County free of charge. Please call 864-297-8558 for pickup dates and times and availability of the mulch. Composting is an alternate way of using yard waste. Please call 864-467-8300 for more information.
- Enoree Landfill
1311 Anderson Ridge Road
Greer, SC 29651
CONTACTS
Physical Address
475 Fairforest Way
Greenville, SC 29607
Phone: 864-232-CARE (2273)
Exception Service
Request Form (PDF)
RECYCLING DROP-OFF SITES
Open 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
- Stone Avenue Recycling Center
800 E Stone Avenue
Greenville, SC 29601 - Greenville Recycling
514 Rutherford Road
Greenville, SC 29609
services Outside the City
-
Our services are for City of Greenville Solid Waste Customers only. For those located outside of our service area, please contact your waste hauler to inquire as to their services. Other possible service providers are as follows:
- City of Fountain Inn
864-409-3334 - City of Greer
864-848-2184 - City of Mauldin
864-289-8904 - City of Simpsonville
864-967-9531 - City of Travelers Rest
864-834-9020 - Greater Greenville Sanitation Service District Area
- Greenville County Solid Waste Division
- Guide to County Recycling Programs
- City of Fountain Inn