Lexington County, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Lexington County will permanently close the Riverchase Way Collection Center on September 1. A new and improved Augusta Road Collection and Recycling Center will open on September 5. This larger facility aims to enhance waste management services and improve traffic flow by removing approximately 175,000 vehicles annually from the Riverchase site. County leaders highlight this move as a significant upgrade for local residents amid an ongoing severe weather alert.
Lexington County Announces Collection Center Changes
The Riverchase Way Collection Center at 110 River Chase Way in Lexington County will permanently close on September 1, 2023, at 7 p.m. A new Augusta Road Collection & Recycling Center located at 4765 Augusta Road will open its doors to the public three days later on September 5, 2023, at 7 a.m. This new facility marks a significant upgrade as it is nearly three times the size of the existing Riverchase facility, aimed at enhancing waste management services for residents.
County leaders celebrated the opening of the Augusta Road facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which highlighted nearly 10 years of planning and development since the project was initiated in 2016. Lee McIntyre, the Director of Solid Waste Management, emphasized that the closure of the Riverchase center signifies the end of an era while the new center embodies a critical advancement in the county’s long-term planning for improved resident services.
Operational and Traffic Improvements
The Augusta Road Collection & Recycling Center is expected to greatly enhance traffic management around the area by removing approximately 175,000 vehicles per year that previously utilized the Riverchase site. This transition aims to alleviate congestion and improve the overall experience for residents utilizing waste collection services.
Severe Weather Alert
Residents are also advised to be alert as an updated weather report from the National Weather Service in Columbia, SC, issued a thunderstorm watch for Lexington County until 6 p.m. on Monday. The alert warns of strong thunderstorms capable of producing pea-sized hail and wind gusts of up to 55 mph. Areas including Red Bank, Gaston, Pelion, and Thor, as well as the Lexington County Airport, are all affected by this alert. Interstate 20 in South Carolina between mile markers 38 and 53 is also included.
Residents are encouraged to seek shelter indoors during severe weather, particularly to avoid hazards such as hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle slides uncontrollably on wet roads, primarily caused by excessive water accumulation, high vehicle speed, and tire conditions.
State Executive Order for Weather-Related Closures
In light of hazardous weather events, the governor of South Carolina has the authority to close state offices in Richland and Lexington counties, as stipulated by an executive order signed on May 1, 2025. This order allows for more consistent decision-making regarding weather-related closures across state government and grants agency directors the discretion to designate essential personnel required to report to work.
Conclusion
The changes with the Riverchase and Augusta Road facilities reflect the county’s commitment to enhancing waste management services, while the severe weather alerts remind residents to take precautionary measures seriously. Community members are encouraged to stay informed about both facility operations and potential weather impacts as the new center opens its doors.
FAQ
When will the Riverchase Way Collection Center close?
The Riverchase Way Collection Center will close on September 1, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Where is the new Augusta Road Collection & Recycling Center located?
The new Augusta Road Collection & Recycling Center is located at 4765 Augusta Road, Lexington County.
What improvements can residents expect from the new center?
Residents can expect improved traffic flow and a larger facility that increases capacity, thereby enhancing the waste management experience.
What should residents do during severe thunderstorms?
Residents should seek shelter indoors and avoid driving unless necessary, particularly to prevent accidents such as hydroplaning.
Chart: Key Features of the New Augusta Road Collection & Recycling Center
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 4765 Augusta Road |
| Size Comparison | Three times larger than Riverchase Way Center |
| Expected Vehicle Removal | Approximately 175,000 vehicles per year from Riverchase Way |
| Opening Date | September 5, 2023 |
| Closing Date for Riverchase Way Center | September 1, 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Weather News
- ABC Columbia: School Changes Due to Severe Weather
- WLTX: South Carolina School Districts Announce Weather-Related Changes
- Google Search: Severe Weather Safety
- Wikipedia: Weather Warning
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
