Atlanta's Recycling Process

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Beyond The Blue Cart

KABC Recycling Process Infographic_2

Ever wonder what happens to your recyclables after you place them in your blue cart?

Well, after you kickoff the process your recyclables, excluding glass, are brought to a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) where they are sorted into similar materials, baled together, and sold to material re-processors and product manufacturers to be recycled into something new.

Step 1: City of Atlanta Residents place their loose, clean and dry recyclables in their blue cart
Step 2: The Department of Public Works collect your recycling from your curbside
Step 3: The recycling material is then taken to a transfer station off Fulton Industrial Blvd
Step 4: Glass Recycling Material is taken to Strategic Materials for processing
Step 5: All other recyclables are taken to our Material Recovery Facility (MRF), Pratt Recycling in Conyers, where each material (paper, plastic, aluminum, and steel) are sorted and baled to be sold
Step 6: Paper Recycling Materials go to the Pratt Paper Mill as a recycled paper product such as cardboard

Pratt Recycling also turns paper back into paper products with their onsite paper mill. Watch this video to see how Pratt processes materials.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Atlanta's recyclables going to the landfill?

How do global changes in recycling affect Atlanta's customers and recycling?

By continuing to adhere to recycling guidelines and best practices laid out by the Department of Public Works, citizens can remain committed to making positive environmental impacts. Currently, we ask that residents only place the currently accepted recycling materials in their blue cart. These materials include and are limited to: paper/newspaper/flattened/mixed paper/cardboard, plastic containers/bottles/clam shell containers, aluminum containers/cans, glass containers/bottles/jars and steel cans/containers Some additional guidelines are highlighted below.

How can residents be a part #CARTlanta?

Make sure all recyclables are loose, clean and dry:

Recycled materials should be loosely placed in the carts meaning not inside of a plastic bag when you dispose of them. Plastic bags are not accepted items and can damage the machinery if they aren't removed. Try keeping a second garbage can or container inside your home and when it is full tip it over into your blue cart outside.

Containers that previously held food stuffs, detergents, or other liquids should be rinsed and wiped/air dried if possible before being placed in the blue cart.

Looking for more ways to be engaged? Download our Solid Waste Services App, available on Apple App store and Google Play store.

Don't want to add to litter? Check out our Waste Wizard!

Our Waste Wizard is a search engine that you can use by typing in an item and finding out what the best practice is for disposing of that item. It can be found on our Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission Home Page or on our Solid Waste Services App for Android or for Apple.

What is contamination in recyclables?

Contamination is any material in the recycling cart that is not currently accepted by the City of Atlanta. To ensure proper sorting at our local MRF, please make sure your materials do not have foods, liquids, or non accepted materials. Non accepted items include but are NOT limited to: Plastic bags, textiles/clothing, cords, wires, chains, foods/liquids, bio hazardous waste/diapers/needles and more. Curious about whether or not your item is accepted? Check out our Waste Wizard.

Can I opt out of my Blue cart service?

In the City of Atlanta, residents are generally expected to participate in the municipal recycling program, which includes the use of a city-issued blue recycling cart. While the city provides a Recycling Fee Exemption for eligible senior citizens, there is no publicly available information indicating a standard opt-out option for the recycling service for the general population.
If you're considering opting out of the recycling service, I recommend the following steps:

Contact the Department of Public Works: Reach out to the Office of Solid Waste Services to inquire about your specific situation and any possible exemptions or alternatives.
- Phone: 404-330-6333
- Email: publicworks@atlantaga.gov
- Address: 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Suite 4800, Atlanta, GA 30303
Use the ATL311 Service: Submit a service request or inquiry through the ATL311 portal to get official guidance on your options regarding the recycling service.
Consult the City's Recycling Program Information: Review the city's official recycling program page for more details on services, exemptions, and guidelines. (Atlanta, GA | Home)

Please note that policies and procedures can change, so it's essential to get the most current information directly from city officials.

Where can I bring my non accepted materials?