Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority

Once again the holiday season is upon us and this year Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful (KDWB) and the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority (DWSWA) want to remind all residents of the Dalton – Whitfield area to end the Christmas season and start the New Year on a green note by recycling their Christmas tree on Saturday, January 9th.  “Bring One for the Chipper” is a statewide Christmas tree recycling event.  Residents of Dalton and Whitfield County can bring their natural, undecorated trees to the Home Depot on Shugart Road, Saturday, January 9th from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

“Bring One for the Chipper” produces tangible environmental benefits while helping local governments comply with state regulations that prohibit the disposal of yard trimmings in municipal landfills. Statewide over five million Christmas trees have been recycled since the start of the program in 1991.  Whitfield County Public Works will be providing the chipper for the event.  The mulch produced from the recycled trees will be used for public beautification projects, and is free to residents of Whitfield County.

“We hope everyone comes out on January 9th and “Brings One for the Chipper” explains Elizabeth Swafford, Recycling and Education Program Coordinator for the DWSWA.   “After you drop off your tree, you can check out all of those advertised specials at the Home Depot and put those gift cards you received to use, getting what Santa couldn’t fit on his sleigh!”

“Bring One For The Chipper” would not be possible without the support of state and local sponsors.  State sponsors for this year’s event include Keep Georgia Beautiful, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Home Depot, the Davey Tree Expert Company, and 11 Alive Television (WXIA-TV).  Local sponsors include Keep Dalton-Whitfield Beautiful, the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority, City of Dalton, Whitfield County, the Georgia Forestry Commission and the Home Depot on Shugart Road.

If residents cannot participate on the day of the event, other opportunities are available.

• City of Dalton Public Works Department will collect trees from the curb.  City residents should call 706/278-7077 for pick-up.
• All Whitfield County Convenience Centers (MLK, McGaughey Chapel, and Westside) and the Old Dixie Hwy. Landfill will have drop-off locations beginning December 26th.  These facilities accept and recycle yard debris year round.

Anyone who wishes to recycle their Christmas tree should remove all nails, hooks, wires, tinsel, lights and ornaments.  Trees must be natural or real, no artificial trees please.

For questions about the “Bring One for the Chipper” event, contact Liz Swafford at 706/278-5001.