Revised Solid Waste Pickup Policy

Beginning 9/14/09 All solid waste (trash, recycling and yard waste) will be picked up each week.  See City's letter.
 

Recycling Information

We haven't yet put together a comprehensive recycling page.  In the interim, here is some helpful information.

Identifying plastic numbers

What does the City of Atlanta Recycle? (Completely updated 2/18/09)

Printable version of the list above (247 KB PDF)

 

Recycling drop-off locations are available for certain items (for all other items please use your City-issued recycle bin, or a larger bin if clearly labeled "RECYCLING"):

Effective July 7, 2008, the City will collect cardboard as part of your recyclable items, it must be broken down and dry . Large amounts of cardboard may also be taken to the following drop sites:

Where else can you take recycling?

Sarah Smith Elementary School

St. James United Methodist Church

Morgan Falls Recycling Center (Sandy Springs)

Recycling bins

Effective January 5, 2008, recycling collection occurs bi-weekly on the same day as garbage collection.  Click here to view the Recycling Pick-up Calendar.  

 

Please use a City-issued recycling bin.  You also have the option of providing a recycling container of your choice, it must be clearly labeled "RECYCLING".  City issued "RECYCLING" stickers are available upon request by calling the Customer Service Center at (404) 330-6333, or via email request to: publicworks@atlantaga.gov. 

 

Please make sure that your recycling container is durable, has a lid and is 45 - 95 gallon capacity since our collection crews have to lift it.  A 95 gallon cart fits the mechanical lifter on the City's Recycling truck.  If you would like to purchase a 95 gallon rolling recycling cart, please mail a check or money order for $70 to:

City of Atlanta
Department of Public Works
55 Trinity Avenue  SW, Suite 4800
Atlanta, GA 30303-3531

MAKE SURE THE DELIVERY ADDRESS IS ON THE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER.  The cart will be delivered to the address listed on the check/money order.

 

Not all plastics can be recycled

Currently (January 2009) only #1 and #2 can be recycled by the City of Atlanta.  If you put #3-#7 plastics in your recycle bin, they will end up in the landfill (wasting your time and the City's).  This information was corrected by Atlanta Recycling Program Manager Mary Harrington in a meeting in North Buckhead on 2/16/09.  All plastics except for expanded (foamy) Styrofoam and plastic bags are recycled by the City. Updated 2/18/09.]  Take plastic peanuts to the UPS Store.  Take plastic bags to local grocery stores.

Q. How do you tell #1 or #2 from other kinds?

A. Look at the bottom of the container.  There is a number, typically in a triangle.  Make sure that you are in a well-lit room, since some containers are difficult.  The best way to explain it is in pictures.

 
Even in good light, the code can be difficult to recognize.
We used a pencil to darken the code and included the pencil  for size context. (Click to enlarge.)

For more information about the actual codes, see the Wikipedia article entitled Resin Identification Code

Electronics/other recycling

February 7, 2009: Recycle/Electronic_Recycling.pdf