First Statewide Recycling Campaign Underway

State officials say about 45-percent of Georgians are not committed to recycling. Because of that, the state’s first campaign to promote the effort begins today with a multi-media blitz. The campaign is targeted mainly at the 25-to-34 year-old age group, hoping to change the behavior and reasons for those who don’t recycle. Officials say more than 40-percent of items that end up in the average Georgia landfill could have been recycled but are wasted. Numerous communities across the state have curbside recycling and drop-off location programs. Details on the campaign can be found at YouGottaBeKidding.org

Savannah Recycling Surge

Savannah's new curbside recycling program is proving a bigger success than city officials planned. Officials are apologizing and asking residents to have patience after half the households who were scheduled for recycling pickup didn't get their bins emptied Monday. The problem? Crews collected more than 100 tons of recycling on Monday alone -- way more than officials projected. Officials promised all the bins would be picked up by Thursday and that more trucks and more staff would be on the way. They hope to get the "opening day kinks" worked out in the next few weeks.

(Orlando Montoya, WSVH)

Not recycling? Pay a fine

People in a metro Atlanta county could be fined for not recycling. Gwinnett County may start charging non-recyclers $500. A new solid waste ordinance penalizes those who throw recyclable items in the trash. But it's not about recycling for recycling's sake – it's to avoid state penalties on landfill. The aim is to meet a state policy that requires counties and cities to reduce solid waste by 25 percent.

(Associated Press)

State announces recycling grants

Georgia communities can now apply for state money for recycling and garbage programs. The 2008 Georgia Recycling and Waste Reduction Grant program has $223,000 dollars. The grants can be used for collection events and activities or for recycling infrastructure. Past projects have included construction of recycling centers, purchase of necessary recycling equipment, composting programs, public education and innovative or demonstration projects. Applications will be accepted through January 30, 2008 and are available here www.gefa.org.