More than 50 businesses in Georgetown and Horry counties are now recycling thanks to a local couple’s passion for the environment.

Fisher Recycling Grand Strand, owned and operated by Kira and Steve Roff of Pawleys Island, offers fast and easy recycling with very little separation of materials and regular pick-up service.

Most of the recyclable items can be collected in the same container, termed commingled material, which Kira Roff says makes it very convenient for people.

Businesses they serve include restaurants like Drunken Jack’s and others on the Marsh Walk in Murrells Inlet, Bistro 217 and Pawleys Island Tavern in Pawleys Island, and other businesses like Webster Rogers, First Citizens Banks and the Georgetown Times.

They serve residential areas like Alston Plantation, Prince George, Rice Fields and Litchfield Country Club where recycling pick-up is not available.

The Roffs also donate their time and services for fundraising events for local non-profit groups like Murrells Inlet 2020 and the Surfrider Foundation.

“People today want to recycle, they want to keep things from going to the landfill,” Kira Roff said. “We have found that if it is easy and saves you money, it is a no-brainer.”

The only items Fisher Recycling doesn’t want in the recycling bins are food waste, which is anything that has remnants of food on it.

“The big thing that people like about what we do is that you don’t have to have 10 bins,” Steve Roff said. “You put everything into one. That is why a lot of restaurants are buying into it.”

‘A great job’

David McMillan, co-owner of Drunken Jack’s, said Fisher Recycling Grand Strand does a great job.

“It is much needed because there is no recycling available to us as a commercial business,” McMillan said. “It seems like there would be something public to help out with that, but there isn’t.”

He said because of the recycling program, the restaurant has reduced the cost of handling waste.

“I think any business would find it worthwhile to look into it,” McMillan said.

Sue Sledz, director of Murrells Inlet 2020, said she appreciates the how the Roffs have helped her organization and others.

They have donated their time to recycle during the Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast, the Spring Tide clean up and other events, originally working with the group’s former director, Jennifer Averette.

“In working with Kira, she is extremely devoted and it is very apparent that this is not only a business, but a passion,” Sledz said.

She added that in 2011, 8.6 tons of materials like glass, aluminum and plastic were recycled on the Marsh Walk, in Morse Landing Park and Wacca Wache Landing.

“That is 8.6 tons of stuff that Georgetown County Parks and Recreation doesn’t have to pick up,” she said.

For details, call 843-543-9811, or visit fisherrecycling.com/grandstrand.

By Clayton Stairs

cstairs@gtowntimes.com