Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recycling Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rockdale County explains new recycling hang‑tag system; fee set at $150 annually, $100 for seniors
Summary
During public comment, a resident raised concerns about outreach for a new recycling hang‑tag system. Director Hammer told commissioners the system starts Feb. 1, will be cashless and requires a $150 annual hanging tag (prorated monthly) with a $100 rate for seniors age 60 and up; staff said they will expand signage and water‑bill outreach.
A resident told the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners she and others had not received clear notice about the county’s recycling changes and asked whether the new program would start in December, January or February. "My comment is just is about the recycling. I know it's a done deal," Mary Boisworth said during the public‑comment period.
Director Hammer responded on behalf of county operations, saying the recycling center will move to a cashless, hang‑tag system that begins February 1. "So, it'll start February 1," Hammer said. "The cost will be $150 per year. It'll be prorated per month. Senior citizens, if they show proof that they're senior citizens, get a discount of $100." Hammer added that the county plans a renewal date of February 1 each year.
Hammer described operational reasons for the change: vendor hauling and disposal costs have risen, and the county uses the transfer center model (not a landfill), which requires transfer and disposal fees. To reduce costs and speed customer throughput, he said the county will move to a hanging‑tag drive‑through arrangement and evaluate equipment options such as a baling machine or a different compactor. "We're looking at different options," Hammer said, and staff will speak with onsite attendants about problems reported by residents.
The resident also raised a separate concern about a missing cardboard dumpster that had caused compactor jams; Hammer said the county is "looking at bringing back a different compactor and doing it slightly different" and will provide additional outreach and signage. Staff said they will issue flyers, pursue a water‑bill insert and ensure signage is posted at the recycling facility.
The board did not take a final vote on policy changes at the meeting; the discussion served as public comment and staff explanation. County staff told commissioners they would continue public outreach about the timeline and operational details and return with any action items or clarifications if needed.
