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Donate NowWhat is the issue?
Charleston County recently ended its contract with the Montenay Incinerator in North Charleston and now must consider new means to accommodate solid waste. Kessler consulting has recommended Charleston County increase its recycling goal from 10% to 40% and continue to utilize the Bees Ferry Landfill for waste disposal needs. The Bees Ferry Landfill will not reach capacity until 2023 if recycling levels are increased. Kessler also encourages a multi-county solution to waste disposal. Currently, Charleston County is studying new sites and disposal technologies for future use.
How would it affect South Carolina?
South Carolina currently has more than twice the landfill capacity it needs for solid waste disposal, with 28% of waste in landfills coming from out-of-state. In Charleston County and elsewhere, it is imperative to address waste issues proactively and creatively. Reducing the need for space in landfills will benefit surrounding communities and protect vulnerable land from conversion.
What can you do about it?
Reducing our own waste, recycling and composting are all part of the community solution. The League will continue to work with County officials and consultants as well as municipalities to address the need and accommodate the current waste levels, while attempting to reduce future waste and demand for space in landfills. Trash must go somewhere, and it’s a community effort to reduce the total amount disposed of and accommodate that in mutually agreeable way.
The proposal for a construction and demolition landfill in Parkers Ferry, SC has been deferred indefinitely by County Council. Continue to let your council members know that there is sufficient landfill space WITHIN Charleston County (99 years at one location) and a new landfill within the ACE basin is not necessary. At this location, C&D landfill would harm the groundwater wells, the way of life by the rural Parkers Ferry community, and the its proximity to the ACE basin is of environmental concern. To learn more about this private landfill development and our opposition to the project, go to our Action Center.
- Closing the incinerator is already a victory! Air quality and the quality of life of residents will improve in the future now that the facility is closed.
- Recycling at the County level will increase. Charleston’s current recycling level is less than Berkeley and Dorchester County.
- Less land will be consumed for landfills and the adverse effects to neighboring communities will decrease.
- Current landfills will be used to full capacity before new sites are considered and new land disturbances occur.
- Waste production will be unsustainable without a change in recycling levels.
- Landfills will be in remote areas of the country, inaccessible to most community members and costly in terms of energy used for waste transport and travel time.
- Private development will trump current zoning that exists to protect property values and environmental conditions in various parts of the county, specifically the rural areas.
Related Articles
Charleston County Solid Waste Proposals - August 2009
