The State passed a law in the 1990’s requiring all cities to reduce their waste stream by 25 %. This was the motivation behind the City of Jesup to start its own recycling center. The center was also to increase landfill space. In years prior to establishing the center, the City was taking its cardboard to an independent local company. The company constantly complained about other materials being in the cardboard; this was another contributing factor to the City starting its own recycling center.

In 1995, the City of Jesup partnered with Wayne County to obtain a building from the State of Georgia. With the support of State Agricultural Commissioner, Tommy Irvin, the City obtained a 10,000 square foot structure with a long-term lease.

In the early stages of operation, the City partnered with a local business to gain use of a compactor; in return the business received 50 % of the profit. After the initial year, it was obvious the City needed its own compactor to fully operate. The City applied for several waste reduction grants to improve the center; initially for a compactor, forklift, and other materials.

After purchasing the compactor, funds from the sale of recyclable materials increased drastically. As the operation continued its growth span, it was necessary to increase the size of the building. In the following months, more grants were applied for to include such equipment as a very large compactor, separating conveyor, and large concrete ramp.

Today, the City of Jesup provides door-to-door curbside collection of recyclable materials such as paper products, cardboard, aluminum cans, and plastics. In addition, the City provides containers for cardboard collection to over 100 commercial locations downtown. Drop-off collection containers are also located at the Recycling Center for county and city residents to deliver recyclables. The drive-up ramp makes drop-off of recyclables even more convenient and easier for residents. The City provides space to Goodwill Industries for the collection of white goods, furniture and other usable items. The Recycling Center is available to anyone who recycles.

The Jesup Recycling Center is a large and successful operation, which has been in operation for more than nine years. Its success is due to the City of Jesup’s continuing education efforts, handling large volumes, and expert marketing under direction of the City Manager. The Jesup Recycling Center has a large building for processing and storage; balers, front-end loaders, bobcats, conveyor belt, can crusher, paper shedder, glass pulverizer and other equipment for faster processing and baling of recyclables. The center processes about 1,500 tons of recyclables out of a city waste stream of 7,000 tons per year. It is one of the few recycling centers to break even, or show a slight profit in Georgia. The Center has received approximately ½ million dollars in donations and grants.

The budget for the Recycling Center was minimal. The City was already supplying a labor force to collect cardboard. The City secured inmates from a local institution to supply the labor force needed for the center. The additional cost was only $25,000 a year for incidentals. Currently the City has one truck driver who collects residential recycled goods one day per week and one truck driver who collects commercial recycled goods five days per week.

Local recycling education efforts by the City of Jesup include public service announcements, publicity at festivals, and a concentration on programs in the schools. Students are invited to tour the Recycling Center and are provided stickers and comic/coloring books on recycling. Residents are provided clear plastic bags and promotional items, such as pencils, and notepads, to further encourage recycling. Peachy Clean, a local litter prevention and beautification group, has been very instrumental in educating the public on recycling. The group hosts several events every year including Rivers Alive and the Great American Clean Up.

Currently in its tenth year, the center is now a full scale operation accepting articles such as glass, plastics, cardboard, metals, appliances, and clothing. In the past year, the center sold approximately $100,000 worth of recycled products resulting in a $50,000 profit. City Manager Mike Deal states, “The center is the single most important public relations tool ever undertaken by the City of Jesup.” Although participation in the recycling program is completely voluntary, approximately 40% of the city participates. Mr. Deal comments, “Compliments from the local population make us feel like we are doing a good job and getting the entire community involved in the recycling effort.”

Since its implementation in 1995, Mr. Deal’s recycling efforts have not gone unrecognized. He received the Business Leader of the Year for 2001 for Wayne County. Recently, he was the recipient of the Georgia State Forestry Award for Outstanding Local Appointed Official. The City of Jesup meets its annual 25 % waste stream reduction rate set by the State. All of the elected officials, city employees, and residents of Wayne County take pride in our Recycling Center and know that our efforts today make for a better tomorrow.

In the past year, the City has taken on an innovative new project. Since we have one of the few glass pulverizers in the state, we made it part of our mission to educate our residents about glass recycling. City Hall employees thought of several ways we could use recycled glass. We designed picture frames, candles, candy dishes and substituted recycled glass for aquarium rocks in our office aquarium. As our enthusiasm for the project grew, we decided to decorated all of the flower beds outside of City Hall with recycled glass. This project drew attention from residents as well as visitors. In turn, we have sold many of our recycled items. We will continue into 2004, finding unique ways to use glass and other recycled items. This year we also designed our first recycling brochure. The motto is “One World, One Chance to Make a Difference. This is our world. This is our chance. Our mission is to make a difference that will positively impact the lives of our residents and the growth of our community.