About Talkin' Trash

Fourth graders have been Talkin' Trash in Horry County for over twenty years. This countywide contest encourages fourth grade students to recycle at school and divert waste from being thrown away in our landfill.

How the contest works

Talkin' Trash is a school recycling and waste diversion competition that encourages elementary schools to engage in waste reduction practices such as recycling and composting. Created by the Horry County Solid Waste Authority, the program has been introducing students to recycling and environmental awareness since 2000, and has built a lasting partnership between the SWA and Horry County Schools.

Your school will have the opportunity to examine its entire waste portfolio: landfill trash, commingled recyclables, classroom paper recycling, and compostable material. Students also take on challenges over the course of the competition, improving how the school handles waste and earning points along the way.

School progress is measured monthly from October through March. Winning schools are determined by the weight of recyclables each school diverts from the landfill, combined with bonus challenge points, which are added to the final pounds per student each month. Because the score is measured per student, a small school competes on even terms with a large one.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how to succeed. It is worth bringing in Dining Services and Building Services early, since they have real insight into how your school operates and will be active participants too. You know your school best, so the strategy is yours.

What schools win

Every month, the top three schools receive a plaque, a $300 check for the school, a recycled-content prize for each 4th grader, and a visit from the Talkin' Trash crew. Students also get the chance to appear on television.

The three schools that demonstrate the most recycling across the whole competition are named Grand Prize winners, and their fourth graders go on a fun-filled educational field trip. Lunch and transportation are provided. This season the Grand Finale runs May 26, 2027 through May 28, 2027.

Our mission

To educate HCS students and faculty on the importance of recycling, proper waste management, and environmentally sustainable practices.

Programs behind the contest

Classroom Recycling Program. Every classroom in Horry County public schools can recycle through the SWA, and each school is provided with classroom recycling bins free of charge. Each classroom should have one.

SMART Recycling. All Horry County elementary schools have the opportunity to recycle food waste through SMART Recycling, contracted through HCS Facilities. Your principal would need to contact HCS Facilities to take part.