Zoo's ComPOOst Program Wins Earth Day Award

Riverbanks Zoo is being recognized for its environmental stewardship.

The zoo's  won an Earth Day Award from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. 

The zoo removes 1,500 pounds of elephant, giraffe and zebra waste each day and converts it into a compost used for landscaping at the zoo and available for public purchase.

Not only does the zoo make money by selling its ComPOOst, it saves about $13,000 a year it would cost to remove the animal waste.

"By showcasing the winners' innovative efforts to protect our state's natural resources, we hope to inspire other South Carolinians to embrace the Earth Day concept and work to make a difference in their communities," DHEC Director Catherine Templeton said.

Riverbanks was one of four South Carolina organizations recognized by DHEC for environmental stewardship. The other winners were 1,000 Rain Gardens for York County, Boeing South Carolina in Charleston and Groovy Green Glass in Myrtle Beach.