FAQs • Athens-Clarke County, GA • CivicEngage

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Single stream recycling, what is it?: Single stream recycling allows all recyclables to be placed into one recycling cart, without separating papers from containers. DO NOT include trash with recyclables.)

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Solid Waste

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1. How do I get a recycling roll-cart / bins?: Based on your address, an Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Customer Service Representative can deliver it to you. If you are not an ACC Solid Waste customer, contact your garbage collector. For more information or clarification, contact Solid Waste at 706-613-3501.

2. How do I know who my garbage and recycling collector is?: The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department collects in the downtown district and Urban Service District, which encompasses the old Athens city limits. Anything beyond these areas is serviced by an outside company.

3. My garbage/recycling wasn’t picked up, who do I call?: If Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste is your collector, call the main office at 706-613-3501, Press 5. Otherwise, contact your private collector directly.

4. Single stream recycling, what is it?: Single stream recycling allows all recyclables to be placed into one recycling cart, without separating papers from containers. DO NOT include trash with recyclables.)

5. Where can I recycle cooking grease?

A collection bin is located at the following locations:

ACC CHaRM, 1005 College Ave
ACC Landfill, 5700 Lexington Road
North Oconee Water Reclamation Facility, 150 North Oconee Access Road
Middle Oconee Water Reclamation Facility, 400 Will Hunter Road

6. Do I throw batteries in the trash?: No, all batteries (alkaline and rechargeable) can be recycled at the CHaRM (1005 College Ave.) Tuesday & Wednesday 10 AM - 7 PM (Online appointment only) For large quantities, fees may apply.

7. Where can I recycle CLFs (corkscrew light bulbs)?: The CHaRM (1005 College Ave.) accepts these bulbs Tuesday & Wednesday 10 AM - 7 PM (Online appointment only). They are also recycled at The Home Depot and Lowe’s. For large quantities, fees may apply.

8. Is there any place to recycle styrofoam?: Yes, egg cartons, meat trays, and block styrofoam found around many items can be taken to Publix Supermarket. There are bins out front for small items; larger pieces can be taken to the Customer Service Desk. We also accept styrofoam at CHaRM (1005 College Ave.) Tuesday & Wednesday 10 AM - 7 PM (Online appointment only).

9. What do I put my recyclables into?: A clearly marked roll-cart or curbside bins. What system you use will depend on who collects your recycling.

10. Can I put plastic bags in my curbside/drop-off bin?: No, the bags pose a litter issue and become contaminated when mixed with other plastics that can drip (like soda cans or vegetable cans). Take bags back to any area Publix, Kroger, Piggly Wiggly, EarthFare, Walmart, Target, Ingles, Daily Co-Op, or the Athens-Clarke County Recycling Facility.

11. What plastics can I recycle in Athens?: All plastic food trays, cups, bottles, jugs, wide-mouth plastic containers #1 - #7 EXCEPT Styrofoam (#6 plastic). Also accepted are “rigid plastics” such as toys, buckets, bins, etc. A complete list is on this site.

12. Can pizza boxes be recycled?: Yes, place them in your curbside or drop-off container. Remove any food scraps first.

13. Where can I recycle my broken TV?: You can take old televisions to the CHaRM (1005 College Ave) Tuesday & Wednesday 10 AM - 7 PM. Appointments are required, go to: accgov.com/charm. Fees may vary.

14. Can I recycle electronics curbside or at a drop-off site?: No, take these broken items to the Athens-Clarke County Landfill Electronics section for free. You can also take those items to the CHaRM (1005 College Ave) Tuesday & Wednesday 10 AM - 7 PM. Appointments are required, go to: accgov.com/charm. For large quantities, fees may apply.

15. Is a smaller roll-cart sizes available?: There limited quantities of 32-gallon roll-carts for customers with special needs (elderly and/or disabled customers).

16. What if I have more recyclables than can fit into my bins /roll-cart?: Recyclables are collected at no additional charge. Place in a container clearly marked “RECYCLABLES”.

17. Can I place additional recyclables in bags next to my bin?: If it is in clear bags that are clearly marked "RECYCLABLES", then it will be collected. If in black or white bags, they will be mistaken for trash and you will be charged additional collection fees. The preferred method for extra recycles is loose in another bin or cart.

18. I live in the GSD(General Service District), can I recycle my items single stream?: Yes, according to Solid Waste Policy SW-004, all private haulers must collect single stream and accept the same items as within the USD. All of Athens-Clarke County will recycle in the same collection manner and the same items. Most private haulers have already started single stream recycling.

19. What day will my recyclables be collected?: For now, the same day it is currently collected if you live in the Urban Service District. Contact your private haulers for your pick-up schedule. Some private haulers (Republic) are moving to bi-weekly collection in the GSD.

20. Shredded paper-is it not recyclable?: Shredded paper cannot be collected at the curb or at any drop-off sites. It is too small for the new single stream processing facility equipment to sort and the pieces get wet and stick to the glass bottles and/or jars. Shredded paper can be directly dropped off at the ACC Recycling Facility & CHaRM in paper bags, boxes or a clear plastic bags for recycling.