Recycling is one of those habits many people intend to keep—but in practice, it varies widely from household to household. Some residents recycle weekly without thinking twice. Others are unsure what’s accepted, where to drop items off, or whether it even makes a difference.
Recently, while running a routine errand, I noticed a local recycling station being actively used—multiple bins, clearly sorted, and far from empty. It raised a simple question worth asking locally:
How much do North Atlanta residents actually recycle—and what materials are we most likely to recycle?
Where Recycling Happens Around North Atlanta
Recycling in North Atlanta is not handled through a single, unified system. Instead, it operates through a combination of local programs that vary by city, county, and even neighborhood. For many residents, recycling begins at the curb, where service availability and accepted materials depend on municipal and county guidelines. Others rely on county-run recycling centers in Forsyth County and North Fulton, which serve as drop-off points for a broader range of materials.
In some neighborhoods, homeowner associations coordinate recycling programs or supplemental collection options, while elsewhere residents use public drop-off stations designated for specific items. Schools and community organizations also play a role, periodically hosting collection drives that bring recycling opportunities closer to families.
Because these options differ widely across the region, recycling habits often reflect access and clarity rather than motivation alone. When systems are easy to understand and convenient to use, participation tends to follow. When rules are unclear or inconsistent, even residents who want to recycle may hesitate or limit what they set aside.
Where to Recycle in North Atlanta (Drop-Off Guide)
Rules vary by city and county, so the safest move is to match the item to the right drop-off stream. Here are the most-used public options in Forsyth County and North Fulton.
Forsyth County: Recycling Convenience Centers (Residents Only)
Forsyth County operates three public convenience centers. Hours are typically Monday–Saturday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed Sundays and county holidays). Most recycling is free; some items (like certain electronics, paint, and tires) may have fees.
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Tolbert Street Recycling Convenience Center (Cumming)
351 Tolbert Street, Cumming, GA 30040
Best for: everyday recyclables + bagged household trash (county rules apply); some electronics fees may apply.
Official info: Forsyth County Recycling Centers -
Old Atlanta Recycling Convenience Center (Suwanee / South Forsyth)
3678 Old Atlanta Road, Suwanee, GA 30024
Best for: everyday recyclables + bagged household trash (county rules apply).
Official info: Forsyth County Recycling Centers -
Coal Mountain Recycling Convenience Center (North Forsyth)
3560 Settingdown Road, Cumming, GA 30028
Best for: everyday recyclables + bagged household trash (county rules apply).
Official info: Forsyth County Recycling Centers
Alpharetta: Glass Drop-Off (Bottles & Jars)
If your curbside program doesn’t take glass, Alpharetta maintains a glass drop-off at Public Works. It’s intended for clean food and beverage glass only.
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Alpharetta Department of Public Works (Glass)
1790 Hembree Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Best for: clean glass bottles & jars (no mirrors, windows, drinkware).
City program info: City of Alpharetta
Roswell: Residents-Only Recycling Center + Transfer Station
Roswell operates facilities on Hembree Road (in Alpharetta). Access and accepted materials can differ by facility, and some services are tied to residency.
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Roswell Recycling Center (Roswell residents/businesses)
Check current rules + hours here:
Roswell Recycling Center (official) -
Roswell Transfer Station
1810 Hembree Road, Alpharetta, GA 30009
Best for: certain drop-offs and disposal services (fees may apply).
Official info: Roswell Transfer Station (official)
Sandy Springs / North Fulton: Hard-to-Recycle Options
For items that don’t belong in curbside bins (or aren’t accepted locally), two widely used options are Keep North Fulton Beautiful (Sandy Springs) and CHaRM (Atlanta/Decatur). Always check accepted items before you go.
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Keep North Fulton Beautiful (KNFB)
Best for: specialty recycling streams and community events (varies by program).
Glass rules & guidance: KNFB Glass Recycling
Document shredding info: KNFB Document Shredding -
Live Thrive: CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) — Appointment Required
CHaRM Atlanta: 1110 Hill St SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
CHaRM DeKalb: 1225 Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30032
Best for: many “hard-to-recycle” categories (varies by item; some fees may apply).
Location & hours: CHaRM info
Accepted items list: CHaRM items accepted
Book appointment: CHaRM appointments
Tip for readers: When in doubt, don’t “wishcycle.” Check the accepted list first and keep recyclables clean and dry.
What Are People Actually Recycling?
Based on local programs and what residents commonly encounter, these are the materials most frequently recycled in the area:
Commonly Recycled
- Plastic bottles and containers
- Paper and cardboard
- Aluminum cans
- Steel food cans
Recycled Occasionally or Separately
- Plastic bags and wrap
- Foam packaging
- Electronics
- Household batteries
Often Confusing
- Mixed plastics
- Glass (accepted in some programs, excluded in others)
- Food-soiled paper
Uncertainty around these categories is one of the biggest reasons people recycle less than they might otherwise.
A Community Poll: How Do You Recycle?
To better understand local habits, we’re asking North Atlanta residents to participate in a short community poll.
Thank you for participating in this survey.
