
Recycling in Oconee County is accessible, free, and effective, especially when locals follow the established guidelines for accepted items and preparation. In 2022–2023, for instance, the county earned nearly $260,000 from recyclables, recycling over 1,300 tons of cardboard, 517 tons of glass, and 18 tons of aluminum and steel cans. These efforts benefit the environment and also support local recycling infrastructure. See more about recycling in Oconee County and surrounding areas.
1. Know Your Recycling Centers
Oconee County operates several free public waste & recycling centers that all residents may use by showing proof of residency (e.g. driver’s license or utility bill). Accepted materials include:
- Plastics (#1–7 food containers, jugs, trays)
- Glass bottles and jars (without residue or lids)
- Mixed paper, magazines, cardboard (flattened)
- Aluminum, steel cans and foil
- Food and cereal boxes, flattened carton material
2. Prepare Your Materials
Proper preparation ensures recyclables can be processed efficiently:
- Rinse and clean all containers (glass, plastic, metal) to remove food residue
- Flatten cardboard and cereal boxes so they occupy less space
- Remove handles, caps or lids (especially plastic handles or ring pulls) from recyclables.
Avoid placing recyclables in plastic bags. They jam sorting machinery. Instead, leave items loose or use paper or reusable bins.
3. What Not to Recycle
Avoid dumping these items in the recycling bin. They either contaminate the stream or aren’t served by county facilities:
- Plastic bags, film, shrink wrap, styrofoam
- Food-contaminated paper (napkins, paper towels, greasy pizza boxes)
- Shredded paper
- Ceramics, dishes, or cookware
- Batteries, light bulbs, or hazardous materials
- Hardcover books, tangled wire hangers
- Some plastics such as commercial-grade drums, motor oil bottles, or utensils
For electronics, batteries, or light bulbs, use specialized drop-off facilities like CHaRM in Athens or designated household hazardous waste events
4. Beyond the Basics: Recycle Smart in Oconee
Borrow Recycling Bins for Events
The Keep Oconee County Beautiful Commission offers free-to-borrow cardboard and recycling bins for public or private events. Just apply via their online form or by emailing them.
One-Stop Recyclers: CHaRM & Community Events
Use the CHaRM facility in Athens for hard-to-recycle items including electronics, batteries, cooking oil (which can be repurposed into biodiesel or candles), and prescription pill bottles. Kroger and Publix stores may also offer plastic bag or film drop-off bins.
Recycle Cooking Oil, Christmas Lights & More
Cooking oil is accepted at all Oconee recycling sites; motor oil and car batteries at Rankin Road and Hwy 441 locations. Holiday string lights can be dropped at CHaRM or hardware store collection events.
Support Local Recycling Efforts
Aluminum cans may be donated at the Oconee County Fire Rescue Station 1 in Watkinsville, with funds supporting local services. Free I.T. Athens also rescues and refurbishes old electronics for community donations. That’s a win‑win for reuse and digital access.
5. Why Proper Recycling Matters
Athens‑Clarke County,which overlaps nearby, employs single‑stream recycling, meaning all clean recyclables go into one bin and sorting happens at a facility. Contamination, like food residue or non-recyclables mixed in, can lead to entire batches being rejected and landfilled. In contrast, Oconee runs a dual stream system at drop-off sites: paper/cardboard separate from containers helps with cleaner sorting and higher recovery rates. However, our trash pickup service offers single stream recycling and we can pick up weekly.
Recycling in Oconee County With AAA Sanitation
By sticking to Oconee County’s recycling rules, cleaning and sorting items, using designated centers, and avoiding banned materials, you help ensure recyclables don’t end up in a landfill. Whether you’re an event organizer, household recycler, or supporter of environmental stewardship, Oconee County offers robust programs to make recycling easier and more impactful.
AAA Sanitation is also proud to support the recycling initiative in Oconee County, Georgia. By offering reliable recycling services, we make it easier for residents and businesses to reduce waste and contribute to a sustainable environment. With a focus on convenience and environmental stewardship, AAA Sanitation provides resources and collection services made to divert recyclable materials from landfills, promoting eco-friendly practices throughout the community. Together, Athens residents and AAA Sanitation are paving the way for a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations. Call us today to learn more!
AAA Sanitation & Garbage Removal
79 Business Dr Ste A
Hull, GA 30646
(706) 543-7788
https://aaasanitationco.com/
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