Skies are blue over Orangeburg’s Sunshine Recycling these days as the business was recognized as the “Best Small Recycling Company” in the state.

Sunshine Recycling, located on Southland Road, was presented the award at the third annual Recycling Business Forum and luncheon held in Columbia during the month of October.

The award was presented by The South Carolina Recycling Market Development Advisory Council, managed within the S.C. Department of Commerce.

“Recycling plays a prominent role in contributing a $6.5 billion economic impact in South Carolina. These outstanding businesses are helping our state achieve goals of sustainable environmental and economic progress,” said Chantal Fryer, senior manager for the Recycling Market Development program at the Department of Commerce.

Sunshine was recognized for its efforts to help communities and businesses recycle various materials as part of the state’s overall efforts to reduce the amount of waste being landfilled.

Sunshine Recycling recycles scrap metal and resells the recycled metal products.

The company constructed a 10,000-square-foot warehouse made entirely of recycled materials, doubled the size of the facility, and is in the process of bringing railroad access to its location.

The facility runs on solar power and utilizes five oil-water separators to ensure the water leaving the plant is clean.

This expansion has created approximately 20 new jobs in the past year and reportedly saved Orangeburg County more than $1 million a year by successfully privatizing operations and providing 12 additional sites for collection since the inception of the business.

Other recycling companies recognized include:

Best Medium Recycling Company – Global Investment Recovery, Inc., Salley

Recycler of the Year – Diversified Recycling, Inc., Rock Hill

Best Medium Industry Recycling Program – Fujifilm-Pucketts Facility, Greenwood

Best Large Industry Recycling Program - Michelin-Spartanburg Facility, Spartanburg

In addition, the council recognized several existing South Carolina companies that have adopted aggressive recycling programs and placed a significant emphasis on resource management and environmental conservation as part of their business operations.

Business Recycling Assistance Program (BRAP) Partner of the Year – Cleanlites Recycling, Inc., Spartanburg

BRAP Special Recognition – Roche Carolina, Florence

Sustainability Award – Alcoa Mt. Holly, Goose Creek.

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