How to Use Horry County's Recycling and Waste Services
What the Horry County Solid Waste Authority does
The Horry County Solid Waste Authority manages trash collection, recycling programs, and disposal sites across Horry County—the coastal region that includes Myrtle Beach, Conway, and surrounding communities. The Authority runs the county's recycling centers, transfer stations, and landfill, and sets the rules for what residents can drop off and how.
If you live in unincorporated Horry County, the Authority may provide your curbside trash and recycling pickup, depending on your service district. If you live within a city like Myrtle Beach or North Myrtle Beach, your city handles collection, but you can still use the Authority's drop-off centers for items your regular pickup won't take.
The Authority also runs the Horry County Landfill and several convenience centers where you can bring recyclables, yard waste, and other materials. Knowing which center is closest to you and what each one accepts saves a trip.
Key Takeaways
- The Horry County Solid Waste Authority operates recycling centers and transfer stations throughout the county where residents can drop off materials for free or a small fee.
- Accepted recyclables typically include paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass, but rules vary by location—call ahead or check the Authority's website before your first visit.
- The Authority also accepts yard waste, electronics, and other special items at designated centers, though some materials require a fee.
- If you live in unincorporated Horry County, the Authority may provide your curbside service; city residents should contact their city for pickup details.
- Hours and locations change seasonally, especially during summer tourism peaks, so confirm details before making the trip.
Where to find recycling centers near you
Horry County operates several convenience centers and recycling drop-off locations. The main centers are spread across the county to serve residents in different areas—from the beach communities to inland towns. Each location has its own hours and may accept different materials, so location matters.
The Authority's website lists all active centers with addresses and phone numbers. You can also call the main Horry County Solid Waste Authority office to ask which center is closest to your home and what it accepts. During peak summer season, some centers adjust their hours or temporarily close for maintenance, so calling ahead prevents wasted trips.
Many centers are open on weekends, which works for residents who work during the week. Some are staffed; others are unstaffed drop-off sites where you leave materials in designated bins. Staffed centers can answer questions about what they take, while unstaffed sites post signs showing accepted materials.
What you can recycle and what costs money
Most Horry County recycling centers take the basics for free: paper, cardboard, aluminum and steel cans, plastic bottles and containers, and glass. Yard waste—grass clippings, leaves, branches—is also free at most locations. These materials are the backbone of residential recycling programs.
Some materials carry a small fee. Electronics like old computers, televisions, and printers often cost a few dollars to drop off because they require special handling. Appliances, tires, and construction debris may also have fees. The Authority charges these fees to cover the cost of proper recycling or disposal, since these items cannot go into standard recycling streams.
Materials the Authority does not take include hazardous waste (paint, pesticides, batteries), medical waste, and items too large for the center's equipment. For hazardous materials, Horry County usually holds special collection events a few times a year. Call the Authority to learn when the next event is scheduled in your area.
How curbside pickup works in your area
If you live in unincorporated Horry County, the Solid Waste Authority likely provides your weekly trash and recycling pickup as part of your service district. Your bill appears on your county property tax statement or as a separate utility charge. The Authority assigns you a pickup day based on your location, and crews collect both trash and recyclables on the same day.
Residents in incorporated cities—Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and others—receive pickup from their city's contractor, not the Authority. Contact your city's public works or utilities department to learn your pickup day and what your city accepts in curbside recycling. Rules differ by city; some accept more plastics or materials than others.
Whether you have curbside service or not, you can always bring recyclables to a county convenience center. This option works well if you have more material than your weekly pickup allows or if you want to recycle something your curbside program does not take.
Special collection events and hazardous waste
Horry County holds periodic collection events for materials that cannot go into regular trash or recycling bins. Electronics recycling events, tire collection days, and hazardous waste drop-off events happen several times a year at various locations. These events are free or low-cost and are announced on the Authority's website and in local news.
Hazardous waste includes paint, motor oil, batteries, pesticides, and cleaning chemicals. Throwing these into the trash or down the drain harms the environment and violates state law. The Authority's hazardous waste events let you dispose of these safely. Bring items in their original containers if possible, and do not mix different materials.
To find out when the next event is happening near you, check the Horry County Solid Waste Authority website or call their main office. Events fill up quickly during peak season, so arriving early improves your chances of getting through without a long wait.
Fees, hours, and what to bring
Most basic recycling at Horry County centers is free. Fees apply to electronics, appliances, tires, and construction debris—usually between five and twenty dollars depending on the item. Some centers accept bulk items like old furniture for a fee as well. Bring your materials in bags, bins, or loose; centers accept both.
Hours vary by location and season. Summer hours (roughly May through September) often extend into evening to serve tourists and seasonal residents. Winter hours are shorter. Most centers open early morning and close by late afternoon or early evening. A few stay open on weekends. Check the Authority's website or call before your visit to confirm the hours for your nearest center.
Bring your materials sorted if the center requests it—some want paper separate from cardboard, or plastics sorted by number. Staffed centers will tell you if sorting matters; unstaffed sites post instructions on their bins. If you are unsure whether something is recyclable, ask a staff member or call ahead rather than guessing.
Contact information and resources
The Horry County Solid Waste Authority's main office can answer questions about locations, hours, accepted materials, and fees. Their website lists all active centers with addresses, phone numbers, and hours. You can also find information about upcoming collection events and seasonal changes there.
If you live in a city within Horry County, contact your city's public works or utilities department for questions about your curbside pickup. They manage collection in their jurisdiction and can tell you your pickup day, what your city recycles, and how to report missed pickups.
For questions about what happens to your recyclables after drop-off, the Authority's website often includes information about local recycling markets and where materials go. Understanding the full cycle—from your bin to the recycling facility—helps you make better choices about what to recycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sort my recyclables before dropping them off?
It depends on the center. Some want materials sorted by type; others accept mixed recyclables. Call your nearest center or check the posted instructions at the drop-off site. Sorting helps the recycling facility process materials more efficiently, so if a center requests it, sorting matters.
Can I recycle plastic bags at the convenience centers?
No—plastic bags jam the sorting equipment at recycling facilities. Take plastic bags to grocery stores or retailers that have bag recycling programs, or reuse them at home. This is one of the most common mistakes people make, so leaving bags out of your drop-off load helps the whole system run better.
What should I do with old paint or motor oil?
Bring these to a Horry County hazardous waste collection event, held several times a year. Do not put them in regular trash or recycling. Call the Authority to find out when the next event is scheduled in your area, or check their website for dates and locations.
Is there a fee for dropping off yard waste?
Most Horry County centers accept yard waste—grass, leaves, branches—for free. A few locations may charge a small fee for large quantities or for chipping services. Call your nearest center to confirm whether yard waste is free at that location.
What if my city's curbside recycling program doesn't take something I want to recycle?
Take it to a Horry County convenience center instead. The Authority's centers often accept a wider range of materials than curbside programs do. Call ahead to confirm the center accepts what you have, since rules vary by location.