The following are excerpts from letters that were submitted in support of S.461 during hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“We introduced recycling to customers one year ago. Aside from the initial investment in a few recycling bins and the training of staff, we have not experienced any additional costs related to our recycling program. In fact, we have seen a decrease in the amount of trash we incur and the resulting garbage pickup costs.
Customers have willingly recycled at the bar, simply by tossing their bottles into the recycling bins that are placed next to the trash cans or returning them to the staff. I support S.461 and know firsthand that recycling programs for bars and restaurants are not only possible, but can be very successful.
Scott Fleming
Owner, Group Therapy
Columbia, SC
“We were initially concerned with the cost of the program. However, we quickly saw that by close observation of our regular garbage pickups that we could reduce the service considerably. The cost of my regular garbage pickup is half what it was a year ago. If you add the cost of regular garbage disposal together with the cost of recycling it costs me just 5.5% more a month to recycle.
Recycling is going to happen whether it is voluntary or mandated. It’s just a matter of time. I believe this bill is necessary. It is the only way to make recycling affordable to all. In the first two months that our restaurant recycled, we produced more than thirty tons of recyclable material.”
David McMillian
Managing Partner, Drunken Jack’s & Inlet Affair Catering
Murrell’s Inlet, SC
“The positives I see in requiring restaurants to recycle are numerous, and not just the obvious benefit to the environment being just one. From my perspective as a restaurant manager, I think it will be actually safer for employees and sanitation workers if glass is kept in one place and removed safely. Glass is dangerous, especially if it is hidden in a garbage bag and someone doesn’t know it’s there.
Imagine something as simple as restaurants & bars recycling glass could actually be used to make the USA more energy independent, grow green jobs and generate revenue. I urge you to vote yes to restaurant and bar recycling.”
Kaitlin Ohlinger
Manager, Cellar on Greene
Columbia, SC
"In Myrtle Beach we currently have 6 restaurants that are participating in green recycling efforts. In just 8 months, our restaurants have recycled 53 tons of materials. Initially, we thought it would be a difficult transition to move the restaurants into a recycling mentality and a challenge to get our staff involved...we have realized how easy it is and how much our staff wants to be a part of these efforts. We recycle paper, glass, cans, plastic, oil and cardboard and have notice a significant decrease in our dumpster pick-up. We are committed to helping make Myrtle Beach a more green friendly destination and recycling is critical to this effort.”
Elise Angell
Myrtle Beach Public Relations & CentraArchy Restaurant Management Company
Myrtle Beach, SC
“I feel that if such a bill would be passed it wouldn’t take long for South Carolina bars and restaurants to agree they would be doing their part to make this state more beautiful and green. We wouldn’t be the first state to mandate this, but maybe more importantly for South Carolina, we wouldn’t be the last.”
Michael R. Evans
Operating Partner, Pearlz Oyster Bar
Columbia, SC
