Athens Reporter

The Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department has been recognized with the Georgia Recycling Coalition's 2024 Spirit of Green Award. This accolade was presented at the joint Georgia SWANA/Georgia Recycling Coalition Conference held in Jekyll Island, GA. The award acknowledges the department's Creative Reuse Programs.

The Teacher Reuse Store (TRS), a key component of these programs, has been operational since 2005. It has successfully diverted over 500 tons of materials from landfills and provided more than 5,000 teachers with essential supplies at no cost. The program collaborates with local businesses, industries, and residents to recover usable materials such as office supplies, furniture, and science equipment.

Another initiative is the Repair Café, which started in 2014 and adopted a community-focused model in 2019. These events bring together skilled volunteers and residents to repair items like bicycles, electronics, and clothing. The gatherings aim to promote sustainability while fostering community connections.

Additionally, since 2011, Zero Waste Kits have been offered to equip community members with reusable plates, utensils, and recycling and composting bins for various events. This initiative helps reduce reliance on disposable items.

These programs highlight the department's dedication to waste reduction strategies and sustainable practices. "We are grateful for the ongoing support from our partners and the community that has made these accomplishments possible," stated a representative from ACC Solid Waste Department.