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1. My business is in a building with multiple other businesses. I don’t pay a trash bill; does this ordinance apply to me?

Yes. In most cases, the entity currently paying for waste collection services will be responsible for paying for recycling collection services. If the landlord is responsible for providing trash services then they are also responsible for providing recycling services. However, the individual businesses within the building must recycle within their business and must each complete the form to show they are compliant. Each business licensed in Athens-Clarke County is responsible for completing a Commercial Recycling Plan. The landlord cannot oversee your business relations and ensure that you are recycling so it is up to the individual business to follow compliance, complete a recycling plan and recycle. If your property owner/manager does not offer recycling services, discuss this requirement with them and refer them to the Commercial Recycling Ordinance and website http://accgov.com/cro. 

2. I operate a small business that doesn’t generate much trash or recyclables. What I do generate I take home with me and use my residential collection service. Does the ordinance apply to me?

Yes. Businesses that are run from your primary residence are exempt, but otherwise businesses must submit a plan that ensures compliance with the ordinance. It is perfectly acceptable to take your collected trash and recyclables home with you, or take your recyclables to any of the 9 convenient drop-off sites located throughout Athens-Clarke County. However, these activities should be documented on the Recycling Plan Form. If your business creates no trash or recycling, you may contact the Commercial Recycling Specialist to discuss being exempt.

3. I run a small business out of my home. Does this ordinance apply to me?

No, household businesses are exempt.

4. So I have to provide recycling collection at my business. Where do I start?

Check with your current waste hauler. All of the haulers operating in Athens-Clarke County are familiar with the requirements, and should be able to assist. Shop around to get the service that best suits your needs. You can also check out our Getting Started page.

5. What resources are available to help me comply with the ordinance?

Lots!

• ACC staff can help you determine your recycling collection needs, regardless of who your existing waste hauler is. We can visit your business, conduct a waste audit, and suggest a service level and type and quantity of collection containers.
• ACC Recycling Division has a limited supply of previously loved recycling bins available for businesses and organizations free of charge. To request bins, flyers or stickers please complete this form.
• ACC can provide stickers (English and Spanish language) to distinguish recycling containers from garbage containers. We can also assist in developing signage specific to your business with detailed instructions on what can and cannot be recycled in ACC’s single-stream collection process. 
• Staff can conduct trainings and presentations for employees and tenants.
• Staff can conduct tours of the ACC Recovered Materials Processing Facility.

6. I live in a condominium; does my property manager have to comply with this ordinance or do I?

Generally, whoever pays the garbage service bill is responsible for complying with the ordinance. If you pay individually for your trash service then the ordinance will not apply. If your property manager pays the bill on behalf of tenants in your property, the ordinance does apply and they are required to offer recycling.

7. Do you expect me to root around in the garbage after my customers and pull out recyclable material?

No. The intent of the ordinance is to provide a collection system and education resulting in a successful recycling program. Every business and non-profit in Athens-Clarke County must make a concerted effort to recycle the items listed on the Recyclable Items Poster: mixed paper, cardboard, plastic bottles & containers, metal cans and glass bottles & jars. We do not expect you to correct customer or staff errors in recycling but they should have access to recycling. However, you should take note and offer additional education if it seems to be a continual problem. The Commercial Recycling Specialist is available to assist you with any problems you encounter with improper recycling. 

8. We’re a church. Does this ordinance apply to us?

Yes, the ordinance specifically includes religious and non-profit organizations.

9. If the county is making me provide recycling containers, why won’t they pay for them?

Your garbage company probably doesn’t pay for trash cans inside your home or business either. Check to see if your hauler will assist with your recycling program.  ACC Recycling Division can provide stickers that can be used to convert most containers (or cardboard boxes) into a useful recycling container. A simple cardboard box can work perfectly for years. ACC Recycling Division does have a limited supply of previously loved recycling bins available for businesses and organizations free of charge. To request bins, flyers or stickers please complete this form.

10. My spouse and I each run a separate business out of the same address; do we need two different plans?

Yes. However, they can share the same hauler and educational material.