Recycling Revolution: Atlanta's Plastic Redemption

where to recycle plastic in atlanta

Recycling plastic is crucial for the future of our planet. It allows for the reutilization of materials, reducing the need for new raw materials, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing the negative environmental impact. If you are looking for places to recycle plastic in Atlanta, there are several options available. Some companies in Atlanta specialize in purchasing various types of plastic in bulk, such as Scrap Management and US Plastics Recovery, and offer an effective solution for plastic waste disposal. Additionally, county websites like Fulton and Gwinnett provide lists of recyclers servicing Metro Atlanta, and DeKalb County offers a single-stream recycling subscription with a free 35-gallon roll cart. Atlanta Polymers is another recycling center that accepts plastic and electronics.

Characteristics Values
Items Accepted Plastic containers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, stretch films, plastic chairs and tables, plastic toys, plastic bottles, plastic food containers, plastic packaging, plastic electronics, plastic buckets, plastic boxes, plastic storage containers, plastic picture frames and mirrors, plastic bowls and dishware, plastic caps and lids, plastic pellets, plastic regrind, plastic sheets, plastic films, and more
Requirements Recyclables must be clean, with caps separated from bottles and different types of plastic separated
Additional Services Plastic shredding, grinding, washing, floating, screening, toll processing, large-scale destruction services
Location Various locations across Atlanta, including Sandy Springs Recycling Center, Southern Green Industries' Biofuel Drop Off, and Atlanta Polymers
Contact Websites such as Clean & Beautiful, Fulton County, and DeKalb County's recycling resource page provide information on recycling locations and accepted materials. Companies such as USPR and Atlanta Polymers can be contacted directly for quotes and more information.

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Plastic bags, wrap, and films

Plastic bags, wraps, and films can be recycled at several locations in Atlanta. Here are some options and guidelines to help you recycle these materials:

  • County-指定的 Drop-Off Spots: Each county in Atlanta has designated drop-off spots for recyclable materials. For plastic bags, wraps, and films, you can check with your local county to find the nearest drop spot that accepts these items. Ensure that you only bring acceptable materials and that they are clean and properly prepared for recycling.
  • Specialized Recycling Centers: Atlanta has specialized recycling centers that focus on specific types of plastic. For instance, Atlanta Polymers, located near the West Midtown area, accepts plastic bags and wraps for recycling. They also provide electronics recycling, so you can kill two birds with one stone if you have old electronic devices to dispose of.
  • Industrial Plastics Recycling: If you have large quantities of plastic, you can contact industrial plastics recycling companies such as US Plastics Recovery (USPR). They specialize in purchasing and recycling various types of plastic, including HDPE, LDPE, and nylon. USPR is not open to the public, but they work with large industrial firms and plastic scrap sellers to recycle plastic back into polymer molding materials.
  • Clean & Beautiful Website (Gwinnett County): If you're in Gwinnett County, take advantage of their Clean & Beautiful website. This online resource allows you to select the material you want to recycle, such as plastic bags or wraps, from a dropdown menu. The website will then provide you with the name and location of a recycling facility that can handle those specific items.
  • Fulton County Website: Residents of Fulton County can refer to their website for a comprehensive list of recyclers servicing Metro Atlanta. The website will guide you to the appropriate facilities or drop-off locations for your plastic bags, wraps, and films.
  • Single-Stream Recycling (DeKalb County): If you're in DeKalb County, check out their recycling resource page. They offer a convenient single-stream recycling subscription, which means you don't have to sort your recyclables beforehand. Sign up to receive a free 35-gallon roll cart for your recyclables, including plastic bags, wraps, and films.

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Plastic bottles and containers

One option is to utilise the services of companies such as US Plastics Recovery (USPR) and Atlanta Polymers, which specialise in purchasing various types of plastic for recycling. USPR, for instance, has the capacity to handle large quantities of plastic scrap and offers services like plastic shredding, grinding, washing, floating, and screening. They deal with industrial plastic scrap and are not open to the public, but they do provide high-capacity industrial plastics recycling. On the other hand, Atlanta Polymers accepts electronic items and pays for plastic by the pound. They also encourage community involvement in plastic recycling and provide information on recycling drop-off hours and directions.

Additionally, some counties in Atlanta provide resources to assist residents with their recycling efforts. For instance, the DeKalb County recycling resource page offers a single-stream recycling subscription, providing a 35-gallon roll cart at no cost. This means that recyclables do not need to be pre-sorted, as they are sorted at the recycling centre. Similarly, Fulton County's website features an extensive list of recyclers servicing Metro Atlanta, making it convenient for residents to find a recycler for specific items like cans, cardboard, or glass. Furthermore, Gwinnett County's Clean & Beautiful website allows users to select the material they want to recycle from a dropdown menu, providing the name and details of a suitable recycling facility.

It is important to note that some facilities may have specific requirements for the plastic items they accept. For example, some may request that plastic bottles and containers be cleaned and separated by type, with caps removed and different plastic components sorted based on the numbers inside the recycling symbol. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the recycling centre or refer to county-specific guidelines before dropping off your plastic bottles and containers for recycling.

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Plastic toys

If you're looking to recycle plastic toys in Atlanta, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, you can reach out to your local recycling centre to enquire about their specific guidelines for plastic toys. Some centres may accept plastic toys as part of their regular recycling program, while others may have special collection days or drop-off events for such items. It's important to ensure that the toys are cleaned and sorted appropriately before recycling.

Another option is to donate the toys for reuse. There are various organisations and charities in Atlanta that accept donations of gently used plastic toys. These toys are then sanitised and distributed to children in need. This option not only keeps the toys out of landfills but also gives them a new lease of life, bringing joy to children who may not otherwise have access to such items.

You can also consider upcycling the plastic toys yourself. This involves getting creative and transforming the toys into something new and useful. For example, plastic toys can be cut, melted, or painted to create unique pieces of art, jewellery, or home decor items. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also allows you to create something personalised and special.

Additionally, some retailers and manufacturers may offer take-back programs or recycling initiatives specifically for plastic toys. These programs allow consumers to return their unwanted plastic toys to the store or a designated drop-off point for recycling or repurposing. It's worth checking with toy stores or manufacturers to see if they have any such programs in place.

Lastly, you can also advocate for change by supporting organisations that promote sustainable practices in the toy industry. By demanding more eco-friendly alternatives and responsible waste management, consumers can drive the industry towards more sustainable practices, reducing the environmental impact of plastic toys in the long run. Remember, recycling guidelines can vary depending on your specific location, so it's always a good idea to check with your local waste management authorities or recycling centres for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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Plastic chairs and tables

If you are looking to recycle plastic chairs and tables in Atlanta, there are a few options available to you. Firstly, it is worth noting that some companies in Atlanta specialize in purchasing plastic items in bulk for recycling. These companies accept a wide range of plastic items, including chairs and tables, and they can arrange the transportation of your plastic waste to a recycling center. However, they typically require large quantities of plastic waste to fill up a truck and may not accept small amounts. Therefore, if you only have a few plastic chairs and tables to recycle, you may need to explore other options.

One option is to contact your local recycling center or waste management company directly and inquire about their specific guidelines for recycling plastic furniture. Some recycling centers in Atlanta, such as CHaRM, accept furniture for recycling, and they may be able to accommodate your plastic chairs and tables. Additionally, some waste management companies in Atlanta, such as Mattress Disposal Plus, offer furniture pickup and disposal services with a focus on environmental responsibility. They ensure that your unwanted furniture is donated or recycled whenever possible, avoiding landfills.

Another option is to explore furniture donation programs. Organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and Saint Vincent de Paul have chapters or branches in Atlanta and accept donations of gently used furniture. Your plastic chairs and tables could find a new home through these programs if they are in good condition.

Furthermore, some counties in Atlanta provide online resources to assist with recycling. For instance, DeKalb County offers a single-stream recycling subscription, where recyclables are sorted at the center, eliminating the need for pre-sorting. Additionally, Fulton County and Gwinnett County websites provide lists of recyclers servicing Metro Atlanta, making it easier for you to find a suitable option for your plastic chairs and tables.

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Electronics with plastic parts

If you're looking to recycle electronics with plastic parts in Atlanta, there are several options available to you. Many companies in the city offer specialised services for recycling electronics and IT equipment, ensuring that your old devices are properly disposed of and repurposed in an environmentally friendly manner.

One such company is Beyond Surplus, which provides convenient, secure, and cost-effective IT equipment disposal and electronics recycling services. They cater to both residential customers and businesses, schools, and medical facilities. Residential customers can drop off equipment at their Smyrna/Atlanta location or recycle select items by mail. They also offer pickups, but only for business organisations. Beyond Surplus handles various IT equipment, from smartphones to laptops, and ensures that your data is secure and the environment is respected during the disposal process.

Another option is Atlanta Recycling Solutions, an R2, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certified electronic recycling vendor. They specialise in creating customised solutions for customers' end-of-life technology, offering various removal plans and ensuring that outdated hardware is properly recycled to protect confidential information.

Additionally, Atlanta Polymers is an Atlanta recycling centre that accepts electronics and plastic for recycling. They take old computers, monitors, cell phones, and other electronic items that are not allowed in landfills. They also pay for your plastic by the pound, encouraging the community to get involved in plastic recycling.

It is important to note that some companies may have specific requirements for the types and quantities of plastic they accept. For example, some companies may only purchase plastic in bulk or from those who have accumulated large quantities. Therefore, it is recommended to contact these recycling companies directly to inquire about their specific guidelines and drop-off hours.

Get Paid to Recycle: Plastic Edition

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Frequently asked questions

Atlanta Polymers is your go-to recycling center for plastic and electronics. You can bring in your old computers, monitors, cell phones, and other electronic items, as well as plastic items. Another option is US Plastics Recovery, which has the capacity to handle large amounts of plastic scrap and is located in the heart of Atlanta, Georgia.

The types of plastic that can be recycled include plastic containers, plastic bags, plastic wrap, stretch films, plastic bottles, plastic food containers, plastic toys, plastic chairs and tables, plastic packaging, and more.

It is important to ensure that your plastic items are clean before bringing them to a recycling center. Separate caps from bottles, and separate plastic components made from different polymers.

Yes, there are several Drop Spots at local fire stations in Atlanta where you can leave most recyclable items, excluding glass. Additionally, some counties in Atlanta, such as DeKalb County, offer single-stream recycling subscriptions, providing you with a roll cart for free.

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