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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle:
A Guide to Giving Back to the Environment

by Jennifer Dilley, Emory University Graduate

In 2005, the U.S. reported a record 246 million tons of garbage thrown away by its citizens. This shocking statistic could be cut nearly in half if Americans would just watch what they put into their trashcans. What can you do about such wastefulness? One of the easiest ways for you to give back to the environment is by recycling. Simple, stress-free, and sustainable, recycling is a daily task that can visibly make a difference in your community.  

What You Can Recycle

The City of Clarkston provides each resident with a blue plastic recycling bin free-of-charge. Place any of the following items in that bin and then place the bin near the street outside of your house or apartment. 

  • HDPE Plastic Containers—these include milk jugs and other plastic bottles and containers with a #2 plastic distinction (there will be a small number 2 inside a triangle on the bottom of the container);
  • PETE Plastic Containers—these include water bottles, soda bottles, juice bottles and various other drink containers with a #1 plastic distinction (there will be a small number 1 inside a triangle on the bottom of the container);
  • Aluminum and steel food containers—these include canned foods and drinks of all shapes and sizes;
  • Glass bottles and jars—these include all food and drink containers including alcoholic beverage bottles;
  • Old Corrugated Cartons—these include fiber containers with the wavy centers between the inner and outer layers;
  • Old Newspapers—this also includes any inserts or ads found inside newspapers;
  • Mixed Paper—this includes all other paper material other than newspaper or corrugated cartons (i.e. pizza boxes, phonebooks, junk mail, magazines and catalogs, brochures, office paper, paper bags, circulars, etc.)

If an item is not listed here, it belongs in the trash.

Recycling Rules

In order for your recycled goods to be collected from your curbside, you must abide by the following regulations.

  1. Make sure containers have been drained and free of liquids before being placed in the recycling bin.
  2. Rinse out all food containers, making sure no food debris is left inside.
  3. Any recycled items that do not fit in the bin must be placed in a clear plastic bag.

Pick-up Schedule

On these specific days, the City of Clarkston sends out trucks that will pick up the garbage and recycling from your curbside.

Monday: Garbage and solid waste is collected if you live south of the railroad tracks
Tuesday: Garbage and solid waste is collected if you live north of the railroad tracks
Friday: Recycling for the entire city is collected
Yard waste is collected daily Monday through Thursday

If you need another recycling bin or have any questions or concerns, call Dreamsan, Inc. (the company that provides Clarkston’s sanitation services) at (404)559-9700.

All of the information in this article and more can be found on the City of Clarkston’s website at:http://www.cityofclarkston.com/Content/ContentCT.asp?P=23 

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