Charleston apartment owners, asset managers, and on-site property managers: you’re operating in a coastal market where litter, illegal dumping, and overflowing enclosures draw fast attention from inspectors and neighbors. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program is designed to fit within Charleston County Environmental Management’s (CCEM) multi-family recycling program and the City of Charleston’s garbage, trash & refuse regulations, helping you avoid nuisance citations while giving residents a modern, convenient recycling amenity.
The City of Charleston does not run its own recycling service. Instead, the City strongly encourages residents and businesses to recycle through Charleston County Environmental Management, which provides single-stream recycling and a dedicated Multi-Family Recycling Program for apartments, condominiums, and townhome communities with weekly service, roll carts and/or dumpsters on site.
At both the city and county level, failure to control solid waste, illegal dumping, or accumulation of garbage can trigger misdemeanor citations with fines up to about $1,092 per violation, along with potential community service or up to 30 days in jail in serious or repeat cases under local environmental and state litter laws.
- Protect NOI & Reputation: Reduce the risk of four-figure solid-waste and nuisance citations tied to overflowing enclosures, illegal dumping, and loose trash.
- Resident-First Convenience: Doorstep collection keeps residents out of dark or flooded enclosures, reduces trips to remote dumpsters, and supports renewals and online reviews.
- Code-Smart Design: Collection points, carts, and dumpster layouts are designed around Charleston garbage, trash & refuse rules and Charleston County environmental codes, not just hauler convenience.
- Hands-Off Compliance: We coordinate with Charleston County Environmental Management, handle resident education, and build a documentation trail so your team can focus on leasing, service, and renewals.
At a Glance: City of Charleston vs. Charleston County & Other Cities
City of Charleston (Inside City Limits)
- Mandate Type: No apartment-specific recycling mandate. The City encourages recycling and relies on Charleston County Environmental Management to provide recycling service to residents and businesses.
- Applicability Threshold: There is no unit-count threshold (such as “8+ units”) that triggers a formal recycling mandate. All properties must comply with garbage, trash & refuse regulations and nuisance rules.
- Owner / Property Manager Duties: Keep garbage in proper containers, follow set-out and roll-back rules, prevent accumulation of solid waste, and avoid placing trash or debris in streets, drains, or unauthorized locations under City garbage, trash & refuse and waste-disposal provisions.
- Program Expectations: While recycling is voluntary, apartment and condominium communities are expected to maintain clean, orderly enclosures and provide residents with reasonable access to recycling through CCEM or a qualifying hauler, especially in high-density locations.
- Key City Links:
City of Charleston – Trash & Yard Waste Collection · Garbage, Trash & Refuse Regulations (City Brochure) · City FAQ – What can be recycled in Charleston County? · City Code §27-42 – Waste-Disposal Prohibitions
Charleston County & Other Area Cities
- Mandate Type: No county-wide apartment recycling mandate. Instead, Charleston County Environmental Management (CCEM) offers a Multi-Family Recycling Program serving apartment, condominium, and townhome communities with weekly single-stream recycling service.
- Applicability Threshold: The County program is available to multi-family communities of various sizes; there is no codified “8+ unit” style mandate. Individual municipalities may have their own solid-waste, litter, and nuisance codes, but none have a clear apartment recycling mandate with unit thresholds and fines solely for not offering recycling.
- Program Duties: Communities participating in CCEM’s program agree to maintain carts or dumpsters on-site, provide residents with access to single-stream recycling, and keep areas free of illegal dumping, junk, and accumulated solid waste.
- Enforcement & Risk: Charleston County’s Environmental Enforcement team enforces ordinances addressing weeds, rank vegetation, solid-waste accumulation, litter, and illegal dumping. Failure to correct violations can result in a misdemeanor with fines up to about $1,092, potential community service, and up to 30 days in jail in serious cases.
- Key County Links:
Charleston County – Multi-Family Recycling Program · About Charleston County Environmental Management (CCEM) · County Single-Stream Recycling Overview · County Zoning & Litter Code Enforcement · County Environmental Codes – Penalties Brochure (PDF)
Charleston County Cities & Apartment Recycling Mandates
Across Charleston County, recycling access for apartments, condos, and townhomes is delivered primarily through Charleston County Environmental Management’s Multi-Family Recycling Program and/or private haulers. None of the County’s municipalities currently have a clearly codified apartment recycling mandate with a unit-count trigger and dedicated fine structure for failing to offer recycling. However, all enforce some combination of solid-waste, litter, nuisance, and illegal-dumping rules that can expose properties to citations if enclosures overflow or waste is improperly stored.
| City / Town / Area | Apartment Recycling Mandate? | Notes for Owners & Property Managers |
|---|---|---|
| City of Charleston | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
The City does not operate its own recycling collection; it encourages residents and businesses to recycle through Charleston County Environmental Management. Apartment and condominium communities are expected to maintain clean garbage areas and comply with Garbage, Trash & Refuse Regulations. Recycling service is voluntary but strongly recommended through CCEM’s Multi-Family program or a qualified hauler. Key local links: City of Charleston – Official Site · City FAQ – Recycling in Charleston County |
| Unincorporated Charleston County | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Multi-family communities in unincorporated areas can enroll in CCEM’s Multi-Family Recycling Program for weekly single-stream recycling service using carts or dumpsters. There is no ordinance forcing apartments to offer recycling, but properties are subject to regulation of weeds, rank vegetation, solid-waste accumulation, litter, and illegal dumping. Failure to abate violations can lead to misdemeanors, fines up to roughly $1,092, and possible community service or short jail terms. Key local links: Charleston County – Official Site · County Multi-Family Recycling Program |
| North Charleston | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
North Charleston spans multiple counties, but Charleston County residents rely on CCEM programs for recycling. Apartments are treated as commercial/multi-family customers and typically contract for trash and optional recycling service. Clean, well-managed enclosures and partnership with CCEM or approved haulers help manage risk. Key local links: City of North Charleston – Official Site |
| Mount Pleasant | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
The Town focuses on garbage collection, stormwater, and general property maintenance. Apartment recycling is offered through Charleston County programs and/or franchise haulers, not by a unit-based mandate. Valet trash & recycling can help communities meet resident expectations and keep shared enclosures inspection-ready. Key local links: Town of Mount Pleasant – Official Site |
| Folly Beach | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Coastal community that relies on County and private contracts for recycling. Apartment and condo properties should focus on preventing windblown litter, overflowing carts, and beach-area dumping, using valet trash & recycling to keep residents from leaving bags in stairwells or open areas. Key local links: City of Folly Beach – Official Site |
| Isle of Palms | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Heavily tourism- and condo-driven market. Recycling is handled through County programs and municipal/hauler contracts. Short-term rental and resort-style communities benefit from structured valet trash & recycling to avoid corridor and pool-deck trash issues. Key local links: City of Isle of Palms – Official Site |
| Kiawah Island | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
High-end resort and residential community that emphasizes environmental stewardship. Multi-family buildings typically participate in recycling via County or private services; there is no apartment-specific recycling ordinance, but expectations for cleanliness and wildlife protection are high. Key local links: Town of Kiawah Island – Official Site |
| Seabrook Island | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Private, oceanfront community that relies on strong waste controls to protect marshes and beaches. Recycling for villas and multi-family properties is set up through CCEM and community agreements rather than a formal mandate. Key local links: Town of Seabrook Island – Official Site |
| Sullivan’s Island | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Small barrier-island town with strict expectations for property maintenance, but no apartment-specific recycling ordinance. Multi-family and cottage clusters depend on County and municipal services and should keep shared container areas tightly managed. Key local links: Town of Sullivan’s Island – Official Site |
| Town of James Island | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Apartments on James Island are served via a mix of City of Charleston, Charleston County, and James Island Public Service District services, depending on jurisdiction. Recycling is coordinated with CCEM and haulers rather than required by a stand-alone apartment recycling ordinance. Key local links: Town of James Island – Official Site · James Island Public Service District |
| Awendaw | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Rural town within Charleston County. Multi-family developments coordinate trash and optional recycling with CCEM and private haulers. Local focus is on zoning, litter, and protection of natural areas rather than apartment-specific recycling rules. Key local links: Town of Awendaw – Official Site |
| Hollywood | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Apartments and small multi-family clusters are governed by general town ordinances and Charleston County environmental codes. Recycling is typically voluntary and set up via CCEM or contracted haulers. Key local links: Town of Hollywood – Official Site |
| Lincolnville | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Western Charleston County town bordering Summerville. The town provides basic solid-waste and recycling information; multi-family properties align with County recycling offerings and local code enforcement on litter and trash. Key local links: Town of Lincolnville – Official Site |
| Meggett | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Low-density town with limited multi-family inventory; waste and recycling expectations are driven by Charleston County environmental codes and town zoning/land-development rules. Key local links: Town of Meggett – Official Site |
| McClellanville | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Historic fishing town with small-scale residential density. Multi-family or clustered housing that does exist manages recycling through CCEM or private providers, with nuisance and litter rules enforced locally and by the County. Key local links: Town of McClellanville – Official Site |
| Ravenel | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Growing town in western Charleston County. Apartments and townhome communities arrange trash and recycling with haulers and CCEM; enforcement focus is on zoning, litter, and nuisance abatement, not a formal apartment recycling ordinance. Key local links: Town of Ravenel – Official Site |
| Rockville | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Very small town at the southern end of Charleston County. Any multi-family or clustered properties follow general town ordinances and County environmental rules; recycling is voluntary and typically handled via CCEM. Key local links: Town of Rockville – Official Site |
| Summerville (Charleston County portions) | No dedicated apartment recycling mandate |
Most of Summerville lies in Dorchester County, but some areas touch Charleston County. There is no evidence of a Summerville-specific apartment recycling mandate; properties rely on County programs and hauler contracts while complying with local solid-waste and code rules. Key local links: Town of Summerville – Official Site |
Charleston Fines & Penalties Snapshot
- City of Charleston Garbage, Trash & Refuse Citations: The City’s residential garbage, trash & refuse brochure notes that violations (such as improper set-out, leaving carts at the street, or not following rules) can result in a citation with a fine of up to approximately $1,092.
- Charleston County Environmental Code Violations: County environmental codes for weeds, rank vegetation, solid-waste accumulation, litter, and illegal dumping are enforced as misdemeanors. Failure to correct violations after notice can result in a fine of up to about $1,092, up to 30 days in jail, and a minimum of 20 hours of community service.
- Convenience Center & Facility Rules: Charleston County Convenience Center rules warn that failure to follow disposal guidelines (including illegal dumping or misuse of sites) can result in suspension of center privileges and fines under County ordinance.
- South Carolina Litter & Illegal Dumping Law: State law (S.C. Code §16-11-700) prohibits dumping or leaving litter on public or private property without permission. Fines start in the hundreds of dollars per offense and can include mandatory litter-gathering community service and up to 30 days in jail for certain quantities and repeat offenders.
- Risk Management Tip: For each Charleston-area property, maintain a file with service agreements, CCEM enrollment confirmations, photos of enclosures, contamination notices, and resident education pieces. This documentation can be invaluable if a notice of violation, litter complaint, or illegal-dumping investigation reaches your community.
Charleston Multifamily Recycling & Waste Compliance Checklist
| Task | Action / Requirement | Helpful Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Confirm Jurisdiction & Service Provider | Map each community to its jurisdiction (City of Charleston, another municipality, or unincorporated Charleston County) and confirm who is providing trash and recycling. If your property is in Charleston County and lacks on-site recycling, work with your ownership and CCEM to evaluate the Multi-Family Recycling Program. | Charleston County – Municipalities List · CCEM Multi-Family Recycling Program |
| ☑ Enroll or Optimize Multi-Family Recycling | If your apartment or condominium community does not currently recycle, have the property manager contact Charleston County Environmental Management to start service. For existing recycling programs, confirm that service frequency, container sizes, and locations match resident volume and seasonal peaks. | Enroll in County Multi-Family Recycling · About CCEM |
| ☑ Align with City & County Trash Rules | Review City of Charleston garbage, trash & refuse rules (or your local municipal code) and Charleston County environmental codes. Make sure set-out times, cart/dumpster placement, and bulk-item handling are clearly defined in your workflows so residents and staff don’t accidentally create violations. | City Garbage, Trash & Refuse Brochure · County Environmental Codes Brochure |
| ☑ Design Safer, Cleaner Enclosures & Collection Points | Work with National Doorstep to design valet collection points, cart corrals, and dumpster layouts that keep bags off stairwells, breezeways, and parking lots. The goal is to make the compliant behavior the easiest behavior for residents – especially at coastal, flood-prone, or tourist-heavy sites. | County Single-Stream Recycling Overview |
| ☑ Resident Education & Contamination Control | Provide clear instructions to residents at move-in and through annual campaigns: what can be recycled, how to bag (or not bag) items, and how National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling service works. Use signs at mail kiosks, elevators, breezeways, and digital channels to reduce contamination and litter. | City FAQ – What can be recycled? · CCEM Recycling Education |
| ☑ Document Violations, Cleanups & Good-Faith Efforts | Keep a log of illegal dumping incidents, contamination problems, and clean-up responses at each property. Save photos, violation notices, resident communications, and service logs. This shows good-faith compliance if you need to work with City Livability, County Code Enforcement, or state litter enforcement. | Charleston County Code & Litter Enforcement · City of Charleston – Trash & Code Complaints FAQ |
| ☑ Coordinate with Ownership on Risk & Budget | During budget season, quantify the cost of potential four-figure citations, illegal dumping cleanups, and reputation damage versus the NOI impact of a well-designed valet trash & recycling program. Align capital and operating budgets so your communities stay “inspection ready” all year. | CCEM – Program Overview |
Want to stay out of the four-figure citation risk zone? Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Charleston-area property. We’ll review your current trash and recycling setup, right-size carts and dumpsters, design a resident-friendly valet trash & recycling program, and prepare the inspector-ready documentation you need to show alignment with City of Charleston rules and Charleston County environmental codes.
Interested in talking about how we can work together? Here's our contact info.
