Lexington County is the only county in the state to meet its waste reduction and recycling goals

That was 3.25 pounds of solid waste per person or about 963,000 pounds.

The county’s recycling rate of 43.75% is the highest of all 46 counties.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control has honored the county’s recycling and waste officials for these achievements.

“I am immensely proud of the efforts our residents, local businesses and employees have done to ensure that Lexington County becomes a forerunner in the fight for responsible waste practices,” said County Council Chairman Scott Whetstone.

The SCDHEC report collected data from 2017-2018 showing recycling activities from curbside collection, local business and collection and recycling centers.

The top 10 items to recycle include aluminum cans, plastic bottles, newspapers, cardboard, steel cans, glass containers, magazines, and mixed paper.

The US Environmental Protection Agency website states that the national recycling percentage is only 35%.

“We still have a long way to go in litter and waste reduction, but this is a giant leap in the right direction,” Whetstone said.

Recycling information is available online for:

• Old crayons at - www.crazycrayons.com and www. thecrayoninitiative.org

• Old cell phones at - www.cellularrecycler.comand www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com

• VHS tapes at - www.greendisk.com

• Batteries at - www.calltorecycle.org

• Eyeglasses at - www.neweyes.org

• Juice pouches - www.teracycle.com

• Find out more at http:// www.leegov.com/solid-waste/residential/recycling .