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1. Do I have to buy an official recycling bin to collect recyclable material inside my business?

No. A simple cardboard box can work perfectly for years. ACC can provide a recycling sticker to identify it as a recycling container, and if it gets mangled, you can always recycle the box. In fact, copier paper boxes are ideal recycling bins; you can even cut a hole in the lid and have a child decorate it.

2. 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. We are not forcing anyone to participate by actively recycling material; the ordinance is there so people who want to recycle are able to. We get a lot of calls from people who want to recycle, but don’t have convenient access to recycling bins.

3. 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 the service you’re paying for is for you and the occupants of your home, the ordinance will not apply to you. If you pay the bill on behalf of tenants in your property, the ordinance does apply.

4. 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 you recyclables to any of the 9 convenient centers located throughout Athens-Clarke County. However, these activities should be documented on the Recycling Plan Form.

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

No, household businesses are exempt.

6. 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 Solid Waste, Recycling Division can provide the familiar 18-gallon open-top bins used for residential curbside recycling collection. These are useful for transporting material to a large outside container and can be used as collection containers in some settings; however these are used bins that have been stored outside. ACC Recycling Division can also provide stickers that can be used to convert most containers (or cardboard boxes) into a useful recycling container.

7. My office is in a building with multiple other business offices. 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. However, each business is responsible for completing a recycling plan.

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

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

11. 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 can provide stickers (English and Spanish language) to distinguish recycling containers from garbage containers, and 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 Materials Recycling Facility