Bigfoot believes in recycling, do you?

For too long, questions have lingered about the legitimacy of recycling: Does it really make a difference? Where does it all go?

The Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority aims to put those doubts to rest with the launch of the Recycling You Can Believe In campaign for National America Recycles Day. This campaign highlights the importance of understanding what happens after the bin, inviting you to recycle confidently without worry.

The campaign features an unexpected but fitting mascot — Bigfoot. Known for being the stuff of myths, Bigfoot helps address the misconceptions surrounding recycling.

In a new video and commercial, filmed by the talented local Brandon Cawood, Bigfoot assures residents that their recycling efforts don’t disappear or get lost in a complex, untrustworthy system. Instead, he makes it clear: Recycling in Whitfield County doesn’t end up in landfills or get shipped overseas. We hope Bigfoot and his message help us build trust and inspire confidence, reminding everyone that the work they put into recycling genuinely matters and has a positive local impact.

One of the biggest myths about recycling is that it’s all for show — an action people take with good intentions but little tangible result. Many people fear that even after taking the time to separate their recyclables, everything ends up mixed in with regular trash and deposited in landfills. Whitfield County’s recycling program has strict protocols to ensure that collected items are processed correctly. The materials are sorted and turned into valuable resources. You can learn more about what happens with your recycling and how it is sorted at https://www.dwswa.org/recycling-101.

Another concern residents often voice is whether recycling ends up overseas, contributing to the global waste crisis. High-profile news stories in recent years have exposed how some places, overwhelmed by poorly managed systems, sent their recyclables to other countries, where they were sometimes mishandled or dumped. This practice led many to question if their recycling efforts were contributing to the very problems they sought to solve. Whitfield County’s recycling system, however, is built on transparency and regional impact.

Your recycling does not end up overseas. In fact, it doesn’t even travel cross-country. Your recycling stays here regionally in the Southeast, processed in plants our management have verified firsthand. Plastic bottles go to Calhoun to become carpet, while jugs head to Alabama for lumber and toys. Paper, cardboard and cans stay in Georgia for new packaging, and glass is turned into insulation or bottles in Atlanta. These processes support U.S. jobs and industry while protecting the environment.

Recycling isn’t just an abstract concept or a routine habit; it’s a powerful way to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable community. When you place that bottle or newspaper into the bin, you’re not just getting rid of waste, you’re giving it a new life and supporting the local waste management system. Every item recycled helps reduce the strain on landfills, preserves resources and promotes a healthier environment for all of us.

To celebrate the campaign and get the word out about recycling we are running a special giveaway to encourage residents to share their recycling habits. You can share your recycling habits by posting photos of your recycling on social media and tagging Recycling Ben, our social profile. Participants will be eligible to win prizes such as a Dutch oven, a cast-iron skillet or children’s toy sets. More importantly, this interactive effort spreads awareness and demonstrates that recycling is a shared commitment that makes our community cleaner and greener.

Bigfoot’s message is simple but powerful: In Whitfield County, we have recycling you can believe in. It’s real, impactful and worth your effort. Join the conversation, take pride in your efforts and show that recycling is something we can all believe in.

Amy Hartline is the recycling and education program coordinator for the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority. Have a recycling question? Contact her at (706) 278-5001 or ahartline@dwswa.org.