Richland County, SC Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Container
- County recycling roll cart
- Accepts
- Authorized commodities only
- Contaminated carts
- May be refused
- Prep
- Rinse food/beverage containers
- List review
- Annual, Public Works Director
Summary
Unincorporated Richland County provides curbside recycling by roll cart under Code Sec. 12-22. Only authorized recyclable materials are accepted, and collectors may refuse contaminated carts. Residents must remove contamination before the next collection to keep service.
Collection contractors may refuse to collect curbside recycling if the material is found to be contaminated by non-recyclables ... The resident shall remove the non-recyclable material identified as contamination before the next scheduled recycling collection day in order to be serviced.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-24: This supplement is current through Ordinance No. 033-25HR).
Full Breakdown
Richland County Code Sec. 12-22 governs curbside recycling. Only commodities on the county's official recyclable list may be placed in the recycling roll cart, and items that held food or beverages must be prepared (rinsed) by the resident first. Collection contractors may refuse to collect a cart found contaminated by non-recyclables and may attach a notice explaining why. The resident must remove the contamination before the next scheduled recycling collection day to be serviced. The Director of Public Works reviews the official list of eligible commodities annually based on market conditions and recommends additions or deletions to the County Administrator. Recycling carts follow the same 7:00 a.m. placement and 7:30 p.m. removal timing as garbage carts.
Violations & Fines
Repeatedly contaminating recycling with non-recyclables can result in refused collection until corrected; persistent improper disposal can be pursued under Chapter 12 with general-penalty fines up to $500.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my recycling is contaminated?
How do I know what's recyclable?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richland County
Compare Richland County to another location·View the South Carolina trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.