“Hall County Solid Waste Superintendent Nathan “Nate” Smith and Assistant Solid Waste Superintendent Bobby Purdum received honorary awards… from the American Public Works Association (APWA) Georgia Chapter at its 74th Annual Meeting in Jekyll Island.
“Nate and Bobby are incredible assets to Hall County’s Solid Waste Division, and I am proud to have served alongside them over the last several years,” Director of Public Works and Utilities Bill Nash said. “Nate and Bobby have both led their teams with excellence and in turn, have served the citizens and visitors of Hall County with the utmost professionalism, dedication and care.”
Smith, who primarily oversees Hall County’s landfills, received the 2025 Solid Waste Manager of the Year Award, while Purdum, who oversees Hall County Recycling and Resource Recovery, was the recipient of the 2025 Public Service and Awareness Award for Community Involvement.
Under their leadership, Smith and Purdum have made several notable achievements, including but not limited to:
Revising and finalizing the Solid Waste Master Plan to guide the future of waste management in Hall County
Maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Hall County Recycling Center and Landfill, despite a growing population
Improving operational efficiency to improve the health, safety and overall environment of all solid waste facilities
Promoting sustainability by expanding community outreach among non-profits, local schools and organizations, including generating $178,000 for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta through a partnership with America’s Thrift Stores (generated over an 11-year period)”