CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials)

How to Make a CHaRM Appointment (VIDEO)

CHaRM Appointment Information

CHaRM by appointment

  • Until further notice, ALL CHaRM customers must make an appointment BEFORE visiting the ACC CHaRM.
Use the link above to make an appointment. CHaRM staff will verify the items listed on this form at your scheduled appointment time. Only what was paid for and scheduled on the form will be allowed for disposal at your appointment time.


Landfill & CHaRM by appointment only. All other recycling drop sites are still open to the public at this time (no-charge).
Residential food scraps/compost drop off is also available at no-charge at ACC Solid Waste Department, outside the CHaRM Gates, and across from the scale house at the Landfill.

About CHaRM

The Athens-Clarke County Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) is a one stop drop for items that can’t be recycled at the curb or at the ACC recycling drop-off sites due to their chemical composition, hazardous components, size, shape, etc.). These materials will be collected at the CHaRM for reuse, recycling and in rare cases, safe disposal.

Fees

$2/trip facility fee for businesses and residents of Athens-Clarke County
$5/trip facility fee for businesses and residents outside Athens-Clarke County
Proof of residency can include government-issued identification, student ID or utility bill.

Location

1005 College Ave
Athens, GA 30601
706-296-7832

*NOTE: CHaRM Currently by Appointment ONLY (See Above)

Mixed recyclables (bottles, cans, printed paper and cardboard) are always accepted at CHaRM at no charge.

Items accepted

Materials accepted at no additional cost:

  • Appliances and Tools (indoor and outdoor)
  • Automotive fluids (no fuels)
  • Bags/wrap (plastic bags, stretch film, bubble wrap)
  • Bicycles
  • Books (hardcover and paperback)
  • Cell phones, tablets, gaming systems
  • Clothing & textiles (sheets, pillows, cloth, etc.)
  • Corks
  • Electronics
  • Expired/used gift cards
  • Eyeglasses
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Food scraps (for composting)- Residential Only
  • Golf balls
  • Grease (used cooking grease/oil)



  • Ink cartridges
  • Media (CDs, DVDs, VHS, Tapes, etc.)
  • Mercury-containing devices
  • Motor oil filters
  • Musical instruments
  • Pallets (wooden or plastic, damaged or intact)
  • Power Tools
  • Scrap metal
  • Sharps/syringes (in a b;each or detergent bottle)
  • Shoes (wearable only)
  • Shredded paper
  • Styrofoam (#6 EPS) CLEAN, NO TAPE
  • Tennis balls & canisters
  • Teacher reuse store items
  • U.S. flags for patriotic retirement at VFW

Five (5) gallon bucket of mixed material (including items listed below)- no charge

Additional fees apply, to cover processing costs:

  • Batteries (all types; $0.36/pound)
  • Cleaners/chemicals/fertilizers ($5/gallon)
  • Computer & television monitors/screens ($5/each)
  • Documents for shredding ($2/ banker’s box)
  • Glass- automotive, windows, mirrors ($1 each)
  • Light bulbs ($0.50 each)
  • Mattresses & box springs ($10 each)
  • Paint ($2/gallon)
  • Propane, helium, HVAC tanks (20-34#) ($5 each)
  • Tires ($3.00/tire $10/tire if on rim)

Teacher Reuse Store logo

Learn about our Teacher Reuse Store for donating school supplies to teachers.

Commercial CHaRM Customers:

  • Must make an appointment with Household Hazardous Waste Supervisor at 706-296-7832 for delivery. Materials will be fee-based.

*All fees subject to change.

History

Prior to the opening of CHaRM, hard to recycle materials and hazardous waste were collected during scheduled events throughout the year by the Solid Waste Department. A CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) is a one stop drop for items that can’t be recycled at the curb or at the Athens-Clarke County recycling drop-off sites because they are deemed "hard to recycle" due to their nature (chemical composition, hazardous components, size, distance to end-market, etc.). The first CHaRM in the United States was established in Boulder, Colorado and opened in 2001. Funding for the Athens-Clarke County CHaRM was made possible through the approval of the 2011 SPLOST. This funding provided improvements to the old Solid Waste Department location at 1005 College Avenue as well as much needed equipment for processing.  The new CHaRM facility opened on November 9, 2015 which allowed for customers to bring hazardous and hard to recycle materials year round. Purchase of equipment as outlined in the Project Concept continues to be purchased as the facility continues to expand and take additional recyclable materials.


For more information about CHaRM contact Recycling Division at recycle@accgov.com