Hall County receives statewide award for recycling program

GAINESVILLE — Hall County Government's Resource Recovery program recently was named Outstanding Government Recycling Leader in the state for 2015 by the Georgia Recycling Coalition.

 

"Hall County is honored to be recognized for our comprehensive and sustainable components and practices in the recycling field," said Hall County Public Works Director Ken Rearden.

 

 

 

The first "adopted" bins were painted pink in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October 2013.  Once those bins were placed at various compactor sites, Hall County saw a 20-ton uptick in recycling each month, and the program was born.

 

Since then, a number of organizations have signed up to participate in the program, including Elachee Nature Science Center, the Lake Lanier Association, Brenau University, the Hall County Animal Shelter, Hall County Green Alliance, Hall County Government and the Redbud Project.

 

"The recycling roll-offs can be painted for under $500, making them a creative advertising option for organizations and a low-cost maintenance option for the recycling center," said Hall County Resource Recovery Director Bobby Purdum.  "This is a great promotional tool and a win-win for everyone involved."

 

In 2012, prior to the Adopt-A-Can program's inception, Hall County recycled 725.63 tons of recyclable material.  That number has continued to grow year after year, with 980.78 tons recycled in the first year alone.  Hall County has nearly surpassed that figure already this year with 962.42 tons diverted from the landfill so far.

 

"This program is making a significant difference in the recycling habits of our citizens and is having a direct impact on the life of our landfill," said Rearden.

 

The award was presented to Hall County representatives at the Georgia Recycling Coalition's annual conference earlier this month on St. Simons Island.