The Southern States Waste Management Coalition was created by resolution of the Southern States Energy Board in 1992. Areas of interest include waste minimization, source reduction, recycling, composting, waste to energy, land filling and re-fill/re-use.

In cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Region IV office, the Coalition launched the Recycle Guys campaign in 2001. Created in 1997 by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the Recycle Guys are animated characters featured in a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to promote recycling and energy conservation. Their message is conveyed in a variety of video clips and radio spots.

During Phase I of this program, the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee were awarded funding through the Southern States Energy Board to adopt the existing South Carolina Recycle Guys model by purchasing three public service announcements. Phase II of the Recycle Guys campaign began in 2003 and was extended through December 2006. Participants include the eight EPA Region IV states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. The current funding for Phase II of the regional campaign is used to strengthen the state campaigns by purchasing cable television air time for the Recycle Guys PSAs adopted during Phase I, purchasing additional Recycle Guys PSAs or financing other Recycle Guys promotional activities identified by the state Recycle Guys campaign coordinators. The Recycle Guys campaign continues its recognition as a key component to the region’s public and political awareness activities. Outside the SSEB region, several states, communities and universities have adopted the campaign. Further, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control reports that they have sent educational materials for distribution to recycling coordinators in the countries of England and Ireland.

In light of budget and travel restrictions within state and local governments, a portion of the Phase II funding is allocated to travel reimbursement awards. These awards are necessary to obtain state and local officials’ involvement in important national and regional recycling meetings.