In November 2008, the Authority initiated a unique collection program for residential and commercial recyclables by partnering with businesses and schools throughout the County to host recycling sites for commercial recyclables and residential recyclables from employees and students and their families. This “Target Recycling” program was designed to increase the availability and convenience of recycling by targeting locations where large numbers of our community work, shop, go to school or play. “Target Recycling” locations include local government offices, businesses, industry, schools and recreational areas. The Authority purchased a front end loader truck and 215 containers for this program which accepts mixed paper, cardboard, plastic bottles and jugs with the #1 or #2 recycling symbol and aluminum beverage cans. All the containers are placed or scheduled for delivery by years end. When full, these containers are collected by the Authority and hauled to the MRF. There is no cost to the host facilities as long as the collection containers are filled at least once a month. The Authority documents the weight of the recyclables collected from each individual collection container and issues a regular report to the host facility. Within the first four months, nearly 80% of the containers have been placed throughout the County including all Dalton Public school and Whitfield County school facilities. This program has the potential to collect an additional 100 tons per month.
