Recycling Requirements: Atlanta vs Roswell
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Atlanta, GA and Roswell, GA?
Roswell has fewer restrictions than Atlanta.
Atlanta, GA
Fulton County
Atlanta provides single-stream recycling collection for residential properties. The city's recycling program accepts paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and plastics #1-7. Recycling is collected weekly alongside trash using separate city-provided rollcarts. The city encourages recycling through education campaigns and the Atlanta Recycles initiative.
View full Atlanta rules →Roswell, GA
Fulton County
Roswell offers weekly single-stream recycling using a separate city-provided cart. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastics #1-#7. Recycling must be in the city cart - bagged recyclables go to landfill.
View full Roswell rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Atlanta | Roswell |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Weekly single-stream curbside | - |
| Container | 96-gallon blue rollcart | - |
| Accepted Materials | Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics #1-7 | - |
| Prohibited | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper | - |
| Multi-Family | Must provide recycling access (4+ units) | - |
| Stream | - | Single-stream |
| Frequency | - | Weekly |
| Cart | - | City-provided |
| Plastic Bags | - | Not accepted curbside |
| Drop-Off | - | Recycling Center on Hembree Road |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Atlanta FAQ
What can I recycle in Atlanta?
Atlanta accepts paper, cardboard, glass bottles, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics #1 through #7. Materials must be clean and dry. Plastic bags, Styrofoam, and food-soiled paper are not accepted.
Is recycling mandatory in Atlanta?
Recycling is provided as a city service and strongly encouraged but is not mandatory for individual residents. Multi-family properties with four or more units must provide recycling access for tenants.
Roswell FAQ
Can I put recycling in a plastic bag?
No. Plastic-bagged recyclables are sent to landfill as contamination. Place recyclables loose in the cart.
Where do I take electronics in Roswell?
The Roswell Recycling Center on Hembree Road accepts electronics, batteries, paint, and household hazardous waste during scheduled hours.
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