07/16/2025
Recycling in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA
Buckhead residents can recycle a variety of materials through both curbside pickup and designated drop-off locations. Understanding the proper guidelines helps ensure effective recycling and minimizes waste destined for landfills.
Curbside recycling
Atlanta's municipal recycling program utilizes blue recycling carts for curbside pickup. Buckhead's curbside recycling is generally picked up every other Tuesday.
Accepted materials (in your blue cart):
Paper: Newspapers, magazines, mixed paper, cardboard (flattened), paperboard (like cereal boxes, remove any wax lining).
Plastics: Bottles and containers #1-5 & #7. Ensure they are cleaned, dried, and have their lids replaced.
Aluminum: Beverage cans and steel cans (rinsed clean).
Glass: Bottles and jars (cleaned and dried). Lids should be removed as they might not be recyclable.
Things to keep in mind:
Recyclable materials should be placed loosely in the cart, not bagged.
All items should be clean and dry. Food and liquid residue can contaminate an entire load, sending it to the landfill.
Small items (smaller than a credit card) can cause issues with sorting equipment and should not be placed in the cart.
No hazardous waste (like chemicals or aerosol cans).
No tangled items (like cords, chains, or hoses).
Drop-off locations
For items not accepted through curbside pickup, drop-off locations are available:
The Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM): Accepts a wide variety of materials including electronics, paint, textiles, styrofoam, and hazardous waste. You need to make an appointment to drop off items here.
Second-Ponce de Leon Baptist Church: Buckhead's community recycling event on the first Saturday of each month accepts glass, styrofoam, aluminum, and cans, among other items.
Emory Recycling Center: Accepts glass, cardboard, clothing, and shoes.
Additional resources
Check the City of Atlanta website for the most up-to-date recycling guidelines.
The Waste Management website offers a "Recycling 101" guide with helpful tips.
Utilize websites like Earth911.org for information about recycling hard-to-dispose-of materials.