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TO DECLARE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2013, AS "SOUTH CAROLINA RECYCLERS DAY" AND TO COMMEND AND RECOGNIZE SOUTH CAROLINA'S RECYCLERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR STATE'S ECONOMY, FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, AND FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP IN PROVIDING SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL MANAGEMENT OPTIONS.
Whereas, recycling in South Carolina creates jobs, supports economic development, conserves scarce natural resources, reduces energy and water consumption, decreases production costs, inspires innovation, increases prosperity, and improves our children's futures; and
Whereas, the recycling industry has an economic impact of $6.5 billion on South Carolina's economy through the provision of local jobs, manufacturing of recycled content materials, and responsible material management solutions. Additionally, the recycling industry is projected to increase approximately twelve percent on an annual basis; and
Whereas, in South Carolina, the recycling industry is directly responsible for more than 38,000 jobs, $1.5 billion in annual personal income, and an estimated $69 million in tax revenue each year; and
Whereas, the South Carolina recycling industry announced $463 million in capital investment, the creation of over 750 jobs with 19 new or existing companies investing in the State in 2012. Investments are up nearly thirty percent from the previous year with jobs remaining fairly constant. Companies like US Fibers in Edgefield, Grace Plastics Inc. in Greenville, Nucor Corporation in Darlington, Pratt Industries in Spartanburg, and LowCountry Biomass LLC in Jasper are just a few examples of companies that announced investments in 2012. The recycling industry is comprised of haulers, collectors, processors, brokers, recycling equipment sales and manufacturers, and end-users or manufacturers who use recycled material feedstock and make recycled content products from them; and
Whereas the state recycling rate in 2012 was 29.5 percent and resulted in 1.2 million tons of municipal solid waste recycled in South Carolina. By making small changes in daily routines to incorporate recycling, South Carolinians can make a significant impact on their economy and environment; and
Whereas, through the recognition and promotion of the economic, energy, and environmental benefits of recycling, South Carolina's recycling industry will grow, thereby creating efficient market-based solutions for various energy and waste management concerns; and
Whereas, the significant energy benefits of recycling provide greater diversity and reliability to the South Carolina energy grid while protecting the state's natural resources. The manufacturer of recycled products requires, on average, seventeen times less energy than manufacturing the same products from virgin materials. Recycling industries represent one of the most pragmatic solutions readily available to conserve scarce natural resources, reduce production costs, and lessen total energy consumption. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives recognize and commend South Carolina's recyclers for their significant efforts to create jobs, promote energy efficiency, and improve the state's economy, and the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives hereby declare Wednesday, February 20, 2013, as "South Carolina Recyclers Day".
This web page was last updated on February 19, 2013 at 1:09 PM