The Habersham County Landfill has been recognized with the 2025 Georgia
Recycling Coalition (GRC) Recycling Award for Outstanding Government
Program, distinguishing it among Georgia’s 159 counties for its innovation,
growth, and commitment to environmental sustainability.
Landfill Director Johnnie Vickers credits the achievement to his dedicated
team of hardworking employees, whose effort and passion have transformed
Habersham County’s recycling program. “This award reflects the many hours
our staff has invested to make our program a success,” said Vickers. “Our
goal is simple — to save landfill airspace and extend the life of our current
facility by keeping recyclable materials out.”
The award recognizes Habersham County’s comprehensive recycling
initiatives aimed at expanding access, improving infrastructure, and planning
for a more sustainable future.
Key Program Highlights
Expanded Recycling Access: The County extended the operating
days and hours for its Clarkesville and Cornelia recycling centers,
giving residents more flexibility to drop off recyclables.
Infrastructure Upgrades: Significant capital improvements were
made at the Clarkesville Recycling Center, including a new attendants’
building to enhance efficiency and service delivery. Two self-contained
compactors were placed at both the Clarkesville and Cornelia Recycling
centers to provide for a safer and more efficient collection of paper and
cardboard.
Increased Material Streams: The County has introduced new
recycling opportunities, including electronics recycling and
clothing/textile collection through vendor partnerships, saving on
disposal costs and further increase diversion and generate additional
revenue.
Education & Outreach: Habersham County is considering strategies
to possibly create a partnership with Habersham County schools to
establish recycling programs and community education as vital long-
term strategies to strengthen public participation.
Strategic Planning: Recycling expansion is part of a broader
countywide sustainability strategy, supported by active pursuit of
grants to improve operations and invest in future infrastructure.
Processing Improvements: Plans are being explored for a recycling
processing building at the landfill to handle plastics, paper, cardboard,
and aluminum on-site, allowing for better storage and marketing of
materials at higher value.
Program Impact
Habersham County’s recycling program serves more than 46,000 residents,
including households, schools, and businesses. In 2024 alone, the County
recycled 413.22 tons of material, diverting 1.39% of total waste from
disposal. Accepted materials include plastics, metals, glass, cardboard,
textiles, and paper.
Despite challenges such as limited funding, rural logistics, and varying public
attitudes, the County remains committed to “closing the loop” by partnering
with end markets that repurpose materials into new products. White goods
are dismantled and recycled for scrap metal, while tires are processed into
crumb rubber and fuel.
“This award underscores Habersham County’s ongoing commitment to
building a more comprehensive and sustainable waste management system,”
said Landfill Director Johnnie Vickers. “We’re proud of the progress we’ve
made and excited about the future of recycling in Habersham County.”