Recycling Center in Athens: Hours, Holidays & Drop-Off List
This Athens recycling center guide explains CHaRM hours, official drop-off sites, mixed recycling rules, holiday interruptions, landfill timing, hard-to-recycle materials, electronics, batteries, Styrofoam, glass, cardboard and senior-friendly preparation steps before you drive.
Official hours list Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday only.
Athens, GA 30601 Solid Waste Phone (706) 613-3501 Commercial HHW (706) 296-7832 Official Page ACC CHaRM → ACC
Fast Answer for Athens Residents
The main hard-to-recycle drop-off location in Athens, Georgia is CHaRM, the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials, at 1005 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601. CHaRM is useful for materials that do not belong in regular curbside or community drop-off recycling, including many electronics, batteries, CFL bulbs, Styrofoam, shredded paper and other hard-to-recycle items.
If you only have normal clean recyclables such as cardboard, cans, glass bottles, paper and approved plastic containers, you may not need CHaRM. Athens-Clarke County also offers public recycling drop-off sites for clean single-stream recyclables, and items should be loose, not bagged.
On This Page
- Athens recycling center overview
- CHaRM hours and closing rule
- Official drop-off locations
- Holiday interruptions
- Accepted drop-off list
- Items not accepted in mixed recycling
- CHaRM vs normal recycling
- Electronics, TVs and batteries
- Landfill and trash disposal
- Preparation checklist
- Official links
- Map and directions
- FAQ
Athens Recycling Center Overview
Most people searching for athens recycling center are trying to answer one of three questions: where can I drop off normal recyclables, where can I take hard-to-recycle items, or where can I dispose of trash. In Athens-Clarke County, those are different services, and mixing them up creates wasted trips.
CHaRM is the local hard-to-recycle center. Community drop-off sites are for clean single-stream recyclables. The Recycling Facility processes clean mixed recyclables and does not accept garbage. The landfill at 5700 Lexington Road is for qualifying municipal solid waste from Athens-Clarke County and Oglethorpe County only.
Athens Recycling Center Hours: CHaRM, Drop-Off Sites and Landfill
| Service | Address / Location | Hours | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHaRM | 1005 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601 | Tue 7 AM-1 PM; Wed Noon-6 PM; Fri 7 AM-1 PM; Sat 7 AM-1 PM. Closed Mon, Thu, Sun. | Hard-to-recycle items, electronics, batteries, bulbs, Styrofoam and special drop-offs. |
| Recycling Facility | 699 Hancock Industrial Way | Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM | Clean mixed recyclables; no garbage accepted. |
| ACC Landfill | 5700 Lexington Rd, Winterville, GA 30683 | Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM; Saturday 7:30 AM-3 PM | Qualifying municipal solid waste from ACC and Oglethorpe County only. |
| 24-hour community drop-off sites | Several county locations | 24-hour access at listed sites | Clean single-stream recyclables only; loose, not bagged. |
Athens Recycling Drop-Off Locations
Athens-Clarke County lists several public drop-off locations for clean single-stream recyclables. These sites are for recycling inside containers only. Do not leave items on the ground, and do not use them for trash, dumping, electronics, batteries, bulbs, furniture or hazardous materials.
| Region | Site | Address | Access / Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central | CHaRM on College Ave | 1005 College Ave | Tue 7-1; Wed 12-6; Fri/Sat 7-1 |
| Northeast | City of Winterville behind Fire Dept. Maintenance Dept. | 126 Harris Lane | 24-hour access |
| East | On Jail Road, past ACC Tag Office on right | 3035 Jail Rd | 24-hour access |
| East | Athens-Clarke County Landfill | 5700 Lexington Rd | Mon-Fri 7:30-4:30; Sat 7:30-3 |
| East | Athens-Clarke County Recycling Facility | 699 Hancock Industrial Way | Mon-Fri 7:30-4:30 |
| West | Athens-Clarke County Fire Station #2 | 265 Cleveland Rd | 24-hour access |
| North | Athens-Clarke County Fire Station #9 | 1626 Danielsville Rd | 24-hour access |
| North | ACC Fleet Management | 225 Newton Bridge Rd | 24-hour access |
| Northwest | Athens-Clarke County Fire Station #8 | 3955 Jefferson Rd | 24-hour access |
Athens Recycling Center Holidays and Collection Interruptions
Holiday changes are easy to miss because curbside collection, CHaRM, the Recycling Facility, and the landfill may not all follow the same customer experience. Athens-Clarke County says Solid Waste may alter collection service for holidays including New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Earth Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For holiday collection questions, use the official holiday interruption page or contact ACC Solid Waste. Do not rely on a normal weekday schedule during holiday weeks. Put carts out by the time listed on official notices, and check whether your regular pickup moves by one day.
Athens Recycling Center Drop-Off List: Accepted Mixed Recycling
For normal mixed recycling in Athens-Clarke County, the top rules are simple: keep recyclables loose, not bagged; keep items clean, empty and free of food residue; keep items larger than a Post-it Note; and avoid mixed-material items that are attached together.
| Accepted Category | Examples | Preparation Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Hard plastics #1-7 | Cups, trays, bottles and containers; no Styrofoam or bioplastics. | Lids on plastics; rinse and empty. |
| Metal cans | Steel and aluminum cans. | Empty and rinse when possible. |
| Aluminum foil and trays | Clean foil and trays. | Remove food residue. |
| Glass bottles and jars | Food and beverage bottles and jars. | Lids off; no window glass or glassware. |
| Cardboard | Cardboard packaging and boxes. | Clean and flattened. |
| Mixed paper | Office paper, junk mail, paper bags, newspapers, paperback books and magazines. | Keep dry and loose. |
| Cartons and paper cups | Food and beverage cartons, paper cups and containers. | Empty before recycling. |
Items Not Accepted in Athens Mixed Recycling
Regular mixed recycling should not include trash, plastic bags or wraps, Styrofoam, food, hoses, chains, straps, cords, scrap metal, shredded paper, batteries, light bulbs, plastic cutlery, glassware, hangers, wax-coated cardboard, napkins or paper towels.
CHaRM Athens GA: What It Is Best For
CHaRM stands for Center for Hard to Recycle Materials. It is meant for items that cannot be handled through regular curbside recycling or ordinary drop-off sites because of chemical composition, hazardous components, size, shape or special processing needs.
Residential customers do not need an appointment for normal CHaRM delivery during listed hours. Commercial customers must make an appointment with the Household Hazardous Waste Supervisor at 706-296-7832, and materials may be fee-based.
Electronics, TVs, Batteries, CFLs and Styrofoam in Athens
Do not put electronics, TVs, batteries, CFL bulbs or Styrofoam into regular mixed recycling. Athens-Clarke County FAQ guidance points residents to CHaRM at 1005 College Ave for batteries, CFLs, Styrofoam and TVs during CHaRM operating hours. Large quantities or some items may involve fees.
Athens Landfill and Trash Disposal
The Athens-Clarke County Landfill at 5700 Lexington Rd accepts municipal solid waste from Athens-Clarke County and Oglethorpe County only. Normal landfill hours are listed as Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-4:30 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM-3 PM, with customers required to be out of the gate by closing time.
The landfill is not the same as CHaRM or normal recycling. Construction and demolition material is not accepted at the ACC Landfill, and customers should verify fees, punch-card rules and prohibited-item guidance before hauling trash.
How to Prepare Before Visiting an Athens Recycling Center
- Decide which service you need. Use drop-off sites for clean mixed recycling, CHaRM for hard-to-recycle materials, and the landfill for qualifying trash.
- Keep recycling loose, not bagged. ACC asks for clean single-stream recyclables to be placed loose inside containers.
- Clean and flatten cardboard. Cardboard should be clean, dry and flattened before drop-off.
- Keep problem items separate. Batteries, bulbs, electronics, Styrofoam, cords, plastic bags and shredded paper need special handling.
- Arrive early at CHaRM. Allow at least 30 minutes before closing, especially with a sorted or complicated load.
- Check holiday notices. Holiday interruptions can change collection and facility service.
Official Athens Recycling Links
Athens Recycling Center Map and Directions
The map below points to CHaRM at 1005 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601. Use it for hard-to-recycle drop-off directions. For normal community recycling, use the official drop-off site list because Athens-Clarke County has multiple locations.
Independent guide note: Recycling-Centre.org is not the official Athens-Clarke County website. Hours, holiday notices, accepted materials, fees, drop-off access and landfill rules can change. Always verify with ACC Solid Waste before driving with a large, paid, commercial, hazardous or questionable load.
Frequently Asked Questions About Athens Recycling Center
Where is the main Athens recycling center for hard-to-recycle items?
CHaRM, the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials, is located at 1005 College Ave, Athens, GA 30601.
What are CHaRM Athens hours?
CHaRM is listed as open Tuesday 7 AM-1 PM, Wednesday noon-6 PM, Friday 7 AM-1 PM and Saturday 7 AM-1 PM. It is closed Monday, Thursday and Sunday.
Is CHaRM open on Sunday?
No. CHaRM is listed as closed on Sunday. Use Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday hours and arrive at least 30 minutes before closing.
Do Athens residents need an appointment at CHaRM?
Residential customers are listed as not needing an appointment for normal CHaRM delivery. Commercial customers must make an appointment with the Household Hazardous Waste Supervisor.
Where can I recycle cardboard in Athens?
Clean and flattened cardboard is accepted in Athens-Clarke County mixed recycling and at official drop-off sites. Keep it loose and do not bag it.
Can I put plastic bags in Athens recycling?
No. Plastic bags and wraps are not accepted in mixed recycling because they create litter and contaminate or tangle the recycling stream.
Where can I recycle batteries in Athens?
ACC guidance points batteries to CHaRM at 1005 College Ave during CHaRM hours. For large quantities, fees may apply.
Where can I recycle a TV or electronics in Athens?
ACC FAQ guidance points old televisions and electronics to CHaRM during listed hours, and electronics may also be handled through landfill electronics guidance. Fees may vary.
Are Athens recycling drop-off sites open 24 hours?
Several community drop-off sites are listed with 24-hour access, but CHaRM, the Recycling Facility and the Landfill have specific hours. Use the official drop-off list for the exact site.
What holidays affect Athens recycling collection?
ACC Solid Waste may alter collection for New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Earth Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Indigenous People’s Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official Athens recycling website?
No. This is an independent guide. Use Athens-Clarke County official pages for final hours, accepted materials, holiday schedules, fees and service changes.
Final Local Summary
For hard-to-recycle items in Athens, go to CHaRM at 1005 College Ave during listed hours: Tuesday 7 AM-1 PM, Wednesday noon-6 PM, Friday 7 AM-1 PM and Saturday 7 AM-1 PM. It is closed Monday, Thursday and Sunday.
For normal clean recyclables, use Athens-Clarke County mixed recycling rules and official drop-off sites. Keep materials loose, clean, empty and not bagged. For landfill trash, use the ACC Landfill page and verify county eligibility, fees, hours and prohibited materials before hauling.