South Carolina Department of Commerce

Sophie Leone • April 23, 2024

South Carolina Department of Commerce

The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) is a state cabinet agency dedicated to ensuring South Carolina’s sustainable advantage and to increasing choices for all South Carolinians by creating economic opportunities. To achieve these goals, S.C. Commerce:


  • Recruits companies across a wide spectrum of industries — advanced energy, aerospace, automotive, headquarters, life sciences, manufacturing and others — to the state.
  • Supports South Carolina’s existing industry through supply chain solutions, emergency management resources, recycling market connections and much more.
  • Supports South Carolina’s business ecosystem to facilitate the creation of new businesses and technology within the state.
  • Provides incentives to qualifying companies and communities to promote economic development across the entire state.


South Carolina’s economic success is built on the state’s infrastructure, innovative capabilities, educated workforce and dedication to its environment, which is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States. There are over 300 recycling businesses currently in South Carolina, and the industry is experiencing a period of immense growth. From 2019 to 2023, companies in the state’s recycling industry announced capital investments totaling $6.6 billion, representing over 5,000 new jobs. More updates on South Carolina’s recycling industry can be found in the South Carolina Department of Commerce 2023 Annual Report.


S.C. Commerce works to ensure the health of the state’s environment through expansive recycling efforts. To encourage companies to prioritize sustainable operations, the state offers Green Initiative Credits. These credits are used to reward qualified recycling facilities, incentivize the installation of solar energy systems and more. Another sustainability initiative, the Recycling Markets Directory, allows manufacturers in South Carolina to find recycling within their area and keep valuable materials in motion.


NERC is pleased to welcome the South Carolina Department of Commerce to its team of Supporting Advisory Members. We look forward to working with S.C. Commerce and providing the necessary tools and support to help grow their ever-expanding recycling market.


For more information about the South Carolina Department of Commerce click here

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