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

Chapter 28 defines recyclable materials as those capable of being recycled that would otherwise be processed or disposed of as solid waste, and recycling as the collection, separation, processing and reuse of that material (Sec. 28-4). The county delivers on that through its recycling and convenience centers, whose stated purpose under Sec. 28-7(e)(1) is to give residents a clean, safe place to drop off residential solid waste and recyclables. Access is limited to individuals: only residential solid waste generated inside the county qualifies, commercial enterprises and commercial activity are barred outright, and licensed collectors cannot dump their customers' waste there either.

Waste tires are excluded from these centers entirely; they must go to the transfer station or a licensed waste tire collection facility instead. Once on site, recyclables must be clean, meaning free of food residue, liquids, dirt or mud, sorted by type, and placed wholly inside the correct designated receptacle rather than left beside it, and every load of cardboard dropped off is required to be recycled. The department can refuse entry to any vehicle that poses a safety hazard because of its size or attached equipment, and users are responsible for unloading their own vehicles and placing materials correctly. Large residential loads over 500 pounds are redirected to the transfer station rather than left at a convenience center's containers.