Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority

The Dalton-Whitfield Regional Solid Waste Management Authority (DWRSWMA) operates an integrated solid waste management system (ISWMS) that uses alternative management techniques for specific components of municipal solid waste (MSW). The DWRSWMA follows the solid waste management hierarchy established by the U.S. EPA and the State of Georgia and includes:

• at-the-source collection programs for industrial, commercial, and residential recyclables
• four convenience centers for residential solid waste and recyclables
• a mulching program for yard trimmings
• a Materials Recovery Facility designed to the unique characteristics of the Authority’s waste
• a household hazardous waste (HHW) collection facility
• a public education program and training center (at the MRF)
• an industrial waste monofill for baled carpet
• a Subtitle-D landfill for MSW
• six closed landfills
• a landfill gas to energy program
• a wetlands mitigation bank

The DWRSWMA has been managed by a regional authority as an enterprise fund since 1994 with the overarching goal of financial and environmental sustainability. The DWRSWMA is guided by a Solid Waste Management Plan that was created and evolves with significant input from Authority staff and citizens of Whitfield County and the four cities within the County.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

With the goal of financial and environmental sustainability in mind, the Authority diverts as much waste as possible for beneficial reuse prior to disposal. The Authority operates collection, processing and marketing programs and facilities for residential, commercial, and industrial waste. In a community as industrialized as Whitfield County, focusing on all three of these sectors is critical to comprehensively address solid waste in a sustainable way. The Authority has partnered with local businesses as well as member municipalities to accomplish these goals.