The Classic City Rotary of Athens Eco Passport is a year-long initiative to encourage members to engage in eco-friendly activities and promote environmental awareness. Members earn points by completing various sustainable actions, such as recycling, composting, attending environmental talks, and participating in service projects. ECORotary@sosuin.org
Turn Waste into Gold: Drop Off Compost at One of Athens’ Compost Sites
Eco Passport Item # 4 – “Drop off compost at one of the drop sites around Athens”
By Salome Alvarez, Southern Sustainability Institute, Athens, GA
Email: Blog@sosuin.org
Have you ever wondered what happens to your food scraps after you toss them in the trash? Instead of sending them off to a landfill where they’ll decompose and contribute to greenhouse gases, there’s a much better option—composting! By dropping off your compost at one of the convenient sites around Athens, GA, you can turn organic waste into nutrient-rich soil while reducing your environmental impact.
A Brief History of Composting
Composting is one of the oldest and most natural recycling methods. Early civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians were known to use decomposed organic matter to enrich their soil, making crops healthier and more abundant. But composting as we know it began gaining traction in the early 20th century, as people started recognizing its environmental benefits. In modern times, composting has evolved into a key part of sustainable living, with cities and communities around the world setting up composting programs to reduce waste. Athens is proudly part of this movement, offering residents a number of accessible drop-off sites to make composting easy.
Why Composting Is So Important
Composting is one of the simplest, yet most impactful, ways you can contribute to a healthier environment. Here’s why:
- Reduce Landfill Waste: It’s estimated that 30-40% of the waste we throw away is organic material—food scraps, yard waste, and other biodegradable items. Instead of taking up space in landfills, this waste can be composted and returned to the earth as rich, fertile soil. By composting, you’re helping reduce the strain on landfills, keeping them from filling up as quickly, and minimizing the production of harmful landfill gases.
- Combat Climate Change: Organic waste that decomposes in landfills releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that’s over 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat. By composting, you divert that waste from landfills, preventing methane production and contributing to a healthier planet.
- Build Healthy Soil: Compost, often called “black gold,” is full of essential nutrients that help plants grow strong and healthy. When you compost, you’re helping create a valuable resource that can be used to enrich local parks, gardens, farms, and green spaces. Healthier soil also improves the water retention of the land, reducing the need for irrigation and helping crops survive in dry periods.
- Support Local Sustainability: Athens, GA is known for its strong environmental values, and composting is one way residents can actively participate in local sustainability initiatives. By dropping off your compost, you’re not just keeping food waste out of the trash—you’re supporting a city-wide effort to reduce waste and create a more eco-friendly community. Local programs that use compost to grow plants and trees benefit from your contribution, helping Athens stay green and beautiful for future generations.
Compost Drop-off Sites in Athens Area
Athens offers several convenient locations for residents to drop off their composted material, making it easy to participate in the city’s green initiatives. Here are some popular spots:
- CHaRM
1005 College Ave., Athens, GA 30605
Roll carts are located outside the gate off Cleveland Ave.
Available 24/7 - Solid Waste Administrative Office
725 Hancock Industrial Way, Athens, GA 30605
Roll cart located outside to the right of the entrance
Available 24/7 - UGA Health Sciences Campus
101 Bowstrom Road, Athens, GA 30606
Available 24/7 - UGA Family Housing
111 College Station Rd, Athens, GA 30605
Available 24/7 - Athens-Clarke County Landfill
5700 Lexington Road, Winterville, GA 30683
Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-4:30 PM, Sat 7:30 AM-3 PM - Athens-Clarke County Extension Office
275 Cleveland Rd, Bogart, GA 30622
Roll cart located at the storage building
Available 24/7 - UGArden
2500 South Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30606
Available 24/7 - Tag Office
Jail Rd, Athens, GA 30605
Available 24/7 - UGA MLC-Fine Arts
255 Baldwin St., Athens, GA 30605
Available 24/7 - Bishop Park Pavilion
705 Sunset Dr, Athens, GA 30606
Open during park hours: 8 AM – 9 PM - Winterville
115 S Church St, Winterville, GA 30683
Available 24/7
For a complete list of compost drop-off sites and more details on what can and can’t be composted, visit Athens-Clarke County Composting Program.
What Can You Compost?
Composting is simple, but it’s important to know what materials are accepted. Here’s a quick guide to what you can and can’t compost:
- Compostable Items: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, eggshells, plant clippings, leaves, grass cuttings, and paper products (like coffee filters and napkins).
- Non-Compostable Items: Meat, dairy products, oily or greasy foods, plastic, glass, and metals should be kept out of your compost pile.
Athens’ composting program provides clear guidelines to help you ensure that you’re contributing the right materials. Always check the guidelines for your specific drop-off location!
How to Get Started with Composting in Athens
- Start Small: Set up a small compost bin in your kitchen or outside to collect organic waste throughout the week. This could be a simple countertop container or a larger bin in your backyard.
- Make a Habit of It: Remember to regularly drop off your compost at one of the local drop-off sites. Many people make this part of their weekly routine by adding it to their grocery or farmers market trip.
- Involve Your Household: Composting is even more effective when the whole household gets involved. Teach your kids or roommates what can and can’t be composted, and make it a collective effort.
- Spread the Word: Share the benefits of composting with friends, family, and neighbors. The more people who participate, the bigger the impact we can make as a community.
Composting’s Impact on Athens’ Future
As more residents of Athens embrace composting, the city will continue to see a reduction in waste, healthier soils, and a cleaner, greener environment. Composting isn’t just about reducing waste; it’s about creating a sustainable future for our community. By dropping off your compost at one of Athens’ drop sites, you’re actively contributing to these goals, ensuring that our local environment thrives for generations to come.
By taking advantage of the convenient compost drop-off sites around Athens, you can help turn everyday waste into something valuable. Composting is one of the simplest steps you can take to live more sustainably, fight climate change, and make our community an even better place to live. Let’s work together to keep Athens beautiful, green, and thriving!
Resources:
https://accgov.com/9508/Food-Scraps-Drop-Off-Program
https://southernseeds.com/blogs/news/composting-101-turning-waste-into-garden-gold
https://www.gardenmarcus.com/composting-101-turning-waste-into-garden-gold/
https://blog.drawdownga.org/what-do-georgians-think-about-composting-new-research-from-uga
