SC.GOV: The Official Web site of the State of South Carolina

Columbia, SC -  Commerce’s Recycling Market Development Program will host its 3rd Annual Recycling Business Forum on October 13, 2006, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the SC Archives & History Center in Columbia. The event brings recycling businesses and other industry representatives together and provides a forum for the exchange of current information and resources. In addition, there will be an awards luncheon recognizing recycling businesses and programs making outstanding contributions to the industry.

In addition to serving as an environmentally sound activity, recycling is also a major economic engine for our state. South Carolina has over 300 recycling companies producing an estimated $6.5 billion total in economic impact in the state. Over the next five years, the recycling industry is anticipated to grow at an annual rate of 12 percent each year, leading to a potential $11 billion economic impact.

This year’s Recycling Business Forum will provide companies a venue to showcase their products, network with other recycling representatives, gather information on funding and other resources, and explore emerging markets. Attending companies can also find out about existing recycling opportunities in the state, and how to tap into available infrastructure and resources.

The Recycling Business Forum is open to anyone interested in recycling. Target audiences include recycling businesses, industries with recycling programs, economic developers, environmental managers, and plant managers.

The cost of the event is $30 per person. Payment can be made by credit card, or checks payable to SC Department of Commerce. For more information on payment or registration, please contact Tonya Lott at (803) 737-0449. For more event information, to register online, or submit an awards nomination, please visit www.sccommerce.com/recycle.html.

The Recycling Market Development Advisory Council's mission is to advocate opportunities to develop sustainable recycling markets, support the growth of South Carolina's recycling industry, and advise the state on efforts required to increase recovery of recyclable materials.