Gwinnett County's new solid waste plan will reduce carbon footprint

Lawrenceville, Ga., (April 22, 2008) – The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners today marked Earth Day 2008 by adopting a new Solid Waste Management Plan that will significantly expand recycling opportunities, save energy, reduce greenhouse gases and enhance quality of life. 

   The plan, which will be implemented in 2009, increases considerably the number of materials accepted for recycling in unincorporated Gwinnett County. It also reduces truck traffic, noise and pollution in neighborhoods by streamlining the number of service providers. The new plan designates one service provider for each of the eight residential unincorporated zones, and it ensures the pick up of all residential garbage.

   Less than 10 percent of the residential waste in Gwinnett County is currently recycled, reused or composted. In order to capture these wasted resources, the County plans to boost the number of recyclable materials fivefold to 35 – more than any other community in Georgia. Residents will be able to recycle all types of paper including cardboard, plastics 1-7, aluminum items, metal cans and glass. 

   Recycling not only provides economic and environmental benefits, it also substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions. If Gwinnett County were to recycle 23 percent of its solid waste stream by 2017 (the current goal), the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equivalent to taking 36,533 cars off the road every year and the energy savings would equal the annual energy use of 14,610 households. In addition, limiting the number of waste collection trucks in each neighborhood weekly, from an estimated 12 to 18 trucks to only two or three, will reduce fuel consumption, noise and air pollution.

   “Earth Day reminds us that individuals can make a difference,” said Board Chairman Charles Bannister, “While not everyone can drive a hybrid or purchase new appliances, anyone can recycle. Gwinnett’s new Solid Waste Management Plan will lead to a better tomorrow, not only for us but for our children and grandchildren.”

   You can view the Solid Waste Management Plan by visiting www.gwinnettcounty.com and looking under County News. For more information about the new solid waste management system, please visit www.gwinnettcb.org .