DHEC's Recycle Guys present annual awards for recycling efforts

COLUMBIA—Wendy McNatt, Alysen Woodruff and Brenda Holland were named Recycling Professionals of the Year during the 14th Annual Recycle Guys Awards Program held today, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced.

"Recycling works in South Carolina because of local programs," said Kent Coleman, director of DHEC's Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling. "This annual awards program allows us to recognize the top recycling programs and projects, as well as to thank people who work very hard to make recycling such a success. Wendy McNatt was honored for her commitment to recycling as well as the expansion of Greenville County's recycling program to include electronics, fluorescent light bulbs and cooking oil,” Coleman said. Alysen Woodruff's implementation of various educational initiatives led to increased participation in the city of Greenville's recycling program and, as a result, 163 more tons were recycled than in the previous year. Brenda Holland's commitment to improving Piedmont Technical College's recycling program resulted in a 35 percent decrease in the amount of disposed material.”

Coleman said Cecil Leviner of the Greater Greenville Sanitation Commission was named Solid Waste Director of the Year for his work toward waste reduction and recycling.

The City of Rock Hill (more than 20,000 population) and the City of Seneca (less than 20,000 population) were honored as the Outstanding Municipal Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs. Sumter County (more than 50,000 but less than 150,000 population) and Charleston County (more than 150,000 population) were named Outstanding County Waste Reduction and Recycling programs. The S.C. Department of Corrections (state agency), Shaw Air Force Base (federal facility) and the Medical University of South Carolina (college or university) were named Outstanding Waste Reduction and Recycling Programs in their respective categories. Lexington County was honored as the Outstanding Local Government Used Oil Recycling Program.