Key Insights from the 2025 Recycling Market Development Advisory Council Annual Report: South Carolina’s Recycling Industry at-a-Glance
South Carolina’s recycling industry remains a significant contributor to the state’s economy, with the South Carolina Department of Commerce announcing $438 million of capital investment and 648 new jobs in the recycling industry in 2025. The 2025 Recycling Market Development Advisory Council Annual Report highlights key trends, industry growth and strategic efforts to advance circularity across the state.
As businesses and organizations place greater emphasis on waste reduction and broader resource efficiency, circularity efforts remain increasingly central to long-term strategy. Through our Circular Economy Accelerator, Sustain SC works with statewide partners to reframe waste as a valuable economic asset for South Carolina’s future. The newly released 2025 Recycling Market Development Advisory Council (RMDAC) Annual Report echoes this sentiment, highlighting the state’s leadership in innovative circularity efforts and economic growth.
The 2025 RMDAC Annual Report provides an in-depth review of South Carolina’s recycling industry, highlighting its significant contributions to the state’s economy, key industry trends and strategic recommendations for future growth.
“The release of the 2025 Recycling Market Development Advisory Council’s Annual Report highlights the strong progress being made to advance South Carolina’s recycling industry,” said Recycling Market Development Manager Anna DeLage. “Through continued collaboration and the implementation of forward-looking strategies, we are strengthening a more resilient and efficient system that supports long-term economic growth across the state.”
RMDAC, a 14-member, governor-appointed council established under the South Carolina Department of Commerce, plays a crucial role in supporting the state’s recycling sector by fostering market development, increasing material recovery and strengthening the recycling value chain. With the industry expanding rapidly to meet ever-growing needs, the RMDAC Annual Report underscores the vital role recycling plays in economic development.
A Year of Growth and Investment
South Carolina is home to over 350 recycling-related businesses, including collectors, processors, manufacturers and equipment makers. According to the RMDAC Annual Report, eight recycling companies announced a total of $438.5 million in capital investment and 648 new jobs in 2025, reinforcing the industry’s economic impact.
State Recycling Resources
South Carolina supports its recycling efforts through valuable programs like the SC Materials Exchange and the SC Recycling Markets Directory. The SC Materials Exchange helps businesses find surplus materials for reuse, while the SC Recycling Markets Directory showcases more than 350 South Carolina recycling companies and allows manufacturers to easily find nearby recyclers. These programs streamline the recycling process and help improve material recovery by creating clear pathways for businesses to access recycling services and reuse opportunities.
Looking Ahead
South Carolina’s recycling landscape continues to advance, driven by strategic investments in innovation and infrastructure. The RMDAC Annual Report emphasizes the need to align economic growth with sustainability, ensuring that businesses and communities alike benefit from enhanced recycling efforts.
As the state builds upon its strengths in material recovery and market development, advisory boards like RMDAC and organizations like Sustain SC will play a key role in advancing circular economy initiatives. RMDAC intends to employ a multi-stakeholder approach in 2026 to better understand the regional needs of South Carolina’s industries and the challenges they face in achieving recycling and circularity goals. With continued collaboration and strategic investments, South Carolina is well-positioned to remain a leader in sustainable development and recycling innovation.
Read the full 2025 RMDAC Annual Report here.
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