How Does Singlestream Recycling Work?
All Recyclable Items Mix Together in One Bin for Collection
- All recyclable items – paper, cardboard, plastic, metal and glass – need to be mixed together – No Sorting or Separation is Needed
- Lids and labels can be left on recyclable containers, which should be empty and rinsed before recycling.
- Recyclables must be placed in a Fulton County Department of Solid Waste (DSW)–issued blue recycling bin. These blue recycling bins are specifically designed for DSW’s automatic side- loader trucks. Each bin has a serial number that is registered to the resident’s address. Recycling bins must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your scheduled recycling day. All recyclable materials must fit inside the bin. Items placed outside the bin, including cardboard, will not be collected. For questions regarding recycling bins, please contact the Department of Solid Waste.
- Do not place recyclables in plastic bags for collection (shredded paper is the only exception). No string, no bags, no trash allowed.
What is my recycling day?
85% of Fulton County residents have twice a month curbside recycling pick up.
DSW Recycling Calendar
Some residents have transfer station recycling drop-off.
Can I use a plastic bag?
NO PLASTIC BAGS are allowed in single stream recycling (with the exception of shredded paper from a paper shredding machine).
Everything should be loose – do not separate or put into plastic bags (Do not tie up bundles of cardboard either).
Where can I get a recycling bin?
Residents must contact the Department of Solid Waste to obtain a DSW-issued blue recycling bin. These recycling bins are specifically designed for use with our automated side-loader recycling trucks. Each recycling bin is assigned a serial number that is registered to the resident’s address.
Can I have more than one recycling bin?
Yes.
Residents may purchase additional blue recycle bins. Please contact the DSW for more information.
Are There Helpful Tips?
Other Tips
Step on milk jugs, detergent bottles, etc., to make room in the bin.
All recyclable materials must fit inside the bin. Items placed outside the bin, including cardboard, will not be collected.
Curbside recycling should be out by 6 a.m. the day of pick up or put out the night before.
Consider waiting until your next recycling day during high winds or severe snow storms. Do not put recycling bins on snow banks.
Transfer station users can transport recycling in any container and then must dump it loose into singlestream recycling container at the station.
PAPER & CARDBOARD
Newspaper & Inserts
Junk Mail, Circulars, Magazines & Catalogs
Phonebooks & Paperbacks
Brown Grocery Bags
Lightweight & Corrugated Cardboard (flattened)
Beverage Cartons (Milk, Juice, and Juice boxes)
Pizza Boxes and Milk and Juice cartons.
DO NOT INCLUDE
Hardcover books, Paper plates, Napkins, Tissues, Construction Paper, Beer or Soda Cartons
PLASTIC
Plastic Bottles & Containers Number Codes 1-5, some 7
Milk & Water Jugs
Cottage Cheese, Yogurt & Pudding Cup Containers
Soap & Detergent Containers
DO NOT INCLUDE
Styrofoam containers, Plastic bags, Motor oil bottles, Clothes hangers, Toys, Prescription pill bottles
METAL
Food & Beverage Cans
Deposit Cans (or take to store for refund)
Aluminum Plates & Trays
Aluminum Foil (clean)
Aerosol Cans (empty)
Metal Lids
DO NOT INCLUDE
Metal-Cardboard Containers (Cocoa Box), Clothes Hangers, Silverware, Pans or Small Appliances
GLASS
Clear, Green & Amber Containers
Canning Jars
Deposit Bottles (or return to store for refund)
Liquor & Wine Bottles
Food & Beverage Containers
DO NOT INCLUDE
Broken Glass, Drinking Glasses, Ovenware or Ceramics, Dishes, Mirrors, Light Bulbs, Window Glass
ONE EXCEPTION TO THE “NO BAG”RULE: SHREDDED PAPER
Tie up in a clear plastic bag. Put the bag in with loose recyclables.