Alpharetta, Georgia – Green Cell, a locally based sustainability nonprofit, has partnered with the City of Alpharetta and its Natural Resources Commission to organize a one-day collecting event meant to steer difficult-to-recycle products away from the landfill. Residents and small businesses will have the opportunity to drop off Styrofoam® packaging and hard-to-recycle plastics at no cost on Saturday, June 21, 2025; no pre-registration required.
From 8:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., crews will be positioned in the front parking lot of the Alpharetta Public Works Department, located at 1790 Hembree Road. Volunteers and professionals will lead people through the procedure throughout morning, so guaranteeing proper material sorting for recycling. The collecting window is short, thus attendees are encouraged to arrive early as queues can increase towards the end of the event.
Though plastics labeled #1 and #2—such as PET water bottles and HDPE milk jugs—already qualify for curbside pickup, this unique drop-off increases recycling opportunities to include plastics #4 through #7. Acceptable products include LDPE shrink wrap and condiment bottles (#4); yogurt cups and plastic tubs (#5); take-out containers and egg cartons (#6); and certain miscellaneous plastics like some water bottles under #7. Participants should clean their plastics and bag them together in Hefty Renew Bags—those bright orange bags located among standard trash liners at Kroger, Target, and similar stores—to simplify handling. Though unbagged items will still be accepted, volunteers say this could potentially delay the procedure.
Read also: Alpharetta drivers face lane changes May 12–16 as SR 9 upgrades begin
White packaging Styrofoam® is also on the roster for recycling—just not that bulky block foam used in construction. Before arriving, participants have to put their clean Styrofoam® pieces into garbage bags—any normal bag will do; Hefty® is not necessary. Organizers underline that bagging foam in advance helps to maintain the cleanliness of the collecting area and speeds up transfers. Volunteers will have supplies on hand to re-bag goods if you forget one; nevertheless, this may add extra time to your visit.
Apart from plastics and foam, the Public Works Department maintains a constant glass recycling drop-off bin in the same lot. Only thoroughly rinsed glass food and beverage containers should be deposited there; broken glass, window panes, mirrors, and ceramics remain ineligible. Staff will be on hand to monitor the bin and answer any questions.
A second domestic hazardous trash and paint collection will run concurrently behind the structure in a protected area. Alpharetta residents who preregister and provide confirmation of city residency are allowed to that side program. The City’s website has details on how to register for the hazardous trash pickup.
Alpharetta hopes to lower landfill load, assist local recycling system, and promote a better feeling of community stewardship by bringing these frequently used items to one central place. Mark your calendar for June 21, bag up those awkward plastics and Styrofoam®, and join your neighbors in making recycling easier—and greener—for everyone.
