Whitfield County plans to expand recycling effort

Kevin Cummings
Chattanooga Times Dalton Bureau

DALTON, Ga. — Whitfield County leaders said they want to revitalize recycling programs in the county.

According to Bridget Sanford, recycling coordinator with the Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Management Authority, the Authority board has decided to add a slew of new recycling drop-off points in busy areas.

Potential locations include government offices, businesses and industries, schools and recreational areas. Ms. Sanford said the Authority wants to change people’s thoughts about recycling and make it more convenient.

Whitfield County Commissioner Randy Waskul said there is an entire industry based on recyclables, and the Solid Waste Management Authority’s initiatives will have a significant impact.

“Anything we can do to expand our recycling program is great,” he said.

The program will collect cardboard, books, newspapers, magazines, paper, many fiber materials, aluminum cans and No. 1 and No. 2 plastic bottles.

Ms. Sanford said the expanded effort will make recycling readily available to about 50,000 people.

The city already has a curbside recycling program, and area landfills have drop-off containers as well.