Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority (TRSWA) was established in 1992 as a regional solid waste management agency to promote good environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, local government problem solving and regional cooperation. The Authority’s mission is to supplement local government solid waste management services to promote efficient and environmentally responsible waste handling and disposal while not supplanting local control and authority. The nine-county region consists of Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, McCormick, Orangeburg, and Saluda Counties

Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority was formed after the Lower Savannah Council of Governments (LSCOG) performed a study to address the regional implications of newly passed laws and regulations for solid waste management. The study, initially envisioned to address the needs of the six LSCOG counties, was quickly expanded to include three counties from the Upper Savannah Council of Governments and the United States Department of Energy (US DOE)- Savannah River.  The region has benefited greatly through the Authority’s development of regional solid waste planning and coordinating construction of a “Subtitle D” landfill, Landfill Gas to Energy Facility, establishment of a waste transportation network, recycling grants administration, recycling efforts, and technology development

TRSWA also aids member counties with the submittal and administration of solid waste and recycling grants that are awarded by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control's Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling Division. The Authority has assisted counties in the receipt of millions of dollars to help the citizens of the region manage and recycle waste tires, cardboard, plastics, used oils, oil filters, and electronics.