Solid Waste

Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department

Vision Statement: 

To be a leader in sustainable material management by creating a culture of zero waste. 

Mission Statement: 

To efficiently deliver integrated material management through comprehensive and innovative collection, disposal, waste reduction and education services. 

Core Values: 

Integrity, Accountability, Efficiency, Innovation, Teamwork and Stewardship

Responsibilities

The Solid Waste Department provides collection and disposal services that meet or exceed state standards and are responsive to the health and sanitary needs of our community. The department accomplishes this while maintaining a competitive cost of services for our customers and the community as a whole.

Facilities

After more than 70 years on College Avenue, the Athens-Clarke County Solid Waste Department has moved to our new facilities at 725 Hancock Industrial Way. The new facility was built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and received the first Athens-Clarke County LEED Gold building certification.

Features

Some of the innovative features include a geothermal heat pump, rain water cistern for irrigation and toilets, extensive use of natural light, porous pavement, and the use of recycled materials throughout the facility. A new vehicle wash system minimizes water use by recirculating and treating the wash water and bio-retention ponds minimize the impacts of any stormwater runoff. The Solid Waste Department has always tried to be a leader in green initiatives in our community and believes these new facilities continue to show that leadership.