Downtown businesses can now recycle paper products

Published 11:20 pm Tuesday, February 13, 2007

The Downtown Dalton Development Authority (DDDA) and the Dalton-Whitfield Regional Solid Waste Management Authority have partnered to offer businesses in the downtown district cardboard and mixed paper recycling.

After the city of Dalton’s decision to stop collecting commercial waste from the downtown district and other areas, the DDDA looked for options to help the collection and disposal needs of downtown businesses. Several businesses were paying for the collection and disposal of large amounts of recyclable cardboard and other types of waste paper that can be recycled.

“We are encouraging downtown businesses to recycle and potentially save money by reducing their waste generation rates,” said, Sarah Harrison, DDDA executive director. “Mixed paper and corrugated cardboard materials can be placed in the recycling box located under the Waugh Street bridge near the railroad tracks. The container is clearly marked and a reserved parking space is available for unloading. There are slots located at an easy-to-reach height on each side of the container.”

Waste materials should be sorted to check if a material is an accepted recyclable item. All recyclable materials should be as clean as possible. If in doubt, the item should be thrown away.

All cardboard boxes must be flattened and must not be food-soiled. Sorting of different types of paper and cardboard is unnecessary, although all trash, packing materials, Styrofoam, packing peanuts, etc., must be removed. Waxed cardboard will not be accepted. Mixed paper, such as computer paper, junk mail, envelopes, file folders, magazines, newspapers, office paper, phone books, paperboard, shoe boxes and shirt boxes are acceptable.

For questions whether an item is recyclable, call the Solid Waste Management Authority at (706) 277-2545. For general questions, call (706) 278-DDDA.



Source: Downtown Dalton Development Authority