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Horry County, SC Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Recycling status
Encouraged, not mandatory
Hauler requirement
Annual SWA license, renews June 30
Civil penalty
$100 per violation
License revocation
After 4 civil penalties in a year
Enforcement agency
Horry County Code Enforcement Dept.

Summary

Horry County does not mandate recycling: Code Sec. 10.5-20 only encourages residents to separate recyclables into suitable containers, noting many businesses run their own programs. Licensed haulers are likewise encouraged, not required, to keep recyclables out of the regular trash stream under Sec. 10.5-26(d).

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Horry County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All persons are encouraged to separate their recyclables from all other types of waste and to place such recyclables into suitable containers to be collected, processed and recycled. The county recognizes that many entities have in place their own recycling program.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 88).

Full Breakdown

Sec. 5-20 states plainly that all persons are encouraged, not required, to separate recyclables from other waste and place them in suitable containers for collection and processing, and that the county recognizes many entities already run their own recycling programs. On the hauler side, Sec. 5-26(d) similarly encourages haulers not to mix solid waste with recyclables, so each stream can be separately collected and disposed of; Sec. 5-26(e) applies the same separation preference to yard waste, and Sec. 5-26(f) requires tires to be kept out of the regular waste stream entirely.

Haulers must hold an annual license from the Solid Waste Authority to collect acceptable waste in the county, renewed each June 30 with no fee during the chapter's implementation year, Sec. 5-27. The SWA coordinates with the Horry County Code Enforcement Department on implementation and enforcement of the solid waste chapter, Sec. 5-21(a)(1)d. C. Code Sec. 56-7-80, with each day of a continuing violation charged separately, Sec. 5-28(b)-(c).

Violations & Fines

A hauler or person who violates any provision of Chapter 10.5 faces a $100 civil penalty per offense, assessed by the Horry County Code Enforcement Department through an ordinance summons, with each day of continuing violation a separate charge, Sec. 10.5-28(b)-(c). Three or more serious or persistent violations can draw a court injunction, and four civil penalties in a year cost a hauler its license for a full year, Sec. 10.5-28(c)(2)e.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling mandatory in unincorporated Horry County?
No. Sec. 10.5-20 encourages residents to separate recyclables into suitable containers but does not require it, and the county notes many entities already run their own recycling programs.
Do haulers have to keep recyclables separate from trash?
Haulers are encouraged, not required, to avoid mixing solid waste with recyclables so each stream can be separately collected and disposed of, under Sec. 10.5-26(d); the same separation preference applies to yard waste under Sec. 10.5-26(e).
What happens if my hauler violates the county's solid waste rules?
The Horry County Code Enforcement Department can issue an ordinance summons carrying a $100 civil penalty per offense, with each day of continuing violation charged separately, under Sec. 10.5-28(b)-(c).
Can a hauler lose its license for repeat violations?
Yes. A hauler that receives four or more civil penalties in a year has its Solid Waste Authority license revoked for a full year, under Sec. 10.5-28(c)(2)e.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Horry County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsRecycling RulesFew RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingHeavy RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Horry County rules

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