Athens Now Archives

Recycling And Event Changes Due To CDC Guidelines

By: Lynne Hart

I know everyone is tired of this whole COVID-19 situation. We couldn’t agree more. However, we must be cautious and choose to do all we can to protect the health and safety of this community.

Here is information about some decisions that have been made regarding the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center and upcoming KALB events.

Athens-Limestone Recycling Center

Our recycling center on Lucas Ferry Road is fortunate to have inmates from the Decatur Correctional Facility working in the plant sorting and baling materials. This is a great program to help these inmates develop skills and allows us to provide excellent service to our community in an efficient, cost-saving manner.

Due to the COVID-19 situation, the correctional facility is in lockdown and we have no manpower to work in the plant. Due to this, the Recycling Center has made the following changes:

  • On Friday, 3/20/20, beginning at 2:00 p.m., the center will no longer accept recyclable materials of any kind.
  • All Limestone County community drop-off trailers will be removed. If a trailer is full or has already been removed, please DO NOT leave recyclables of any kind.
  • No visitors will be permitted into the recycling center.

Once the inmates can resume working, the center will begin accepting recyclables again.

PLEASE RESPECT these changes. Anyone dumping recyclables during the closure will be prosecuted. Cameras are on site.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

A decision has been made to postpone the HHW Collection scheduled for March 29. The collection has been rescheduled to take place on August 29. We will continue to update the public on this as we approach the new date.


Earth Day & Outdoor EXPO

Because the CDC is recommending no gatherings of more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks, and because Athens State University has closed the campus to students and visitors, this event has also been postponed.

We are currently working toward having the event at Athens State University on July 18, 2020. Anyone interested in having an exhibitor or vendor space may contact KALB.

Please know that all decisions have been made with the safety of the community, our employees, and our volunteers in mind.

We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Contact the Athens-Limestone Recycling Center at 256-233-8746 or KALB at 256-233-8000 or KALBCares@gmail.com.

Anyone with questions about curbside recycling may contact the Athens City Sanitation Department at 256-233-8747.

This is not a pleasant situation for anyone. Please be kind to each other, especially those working in the medical fields, grocery stores, first responders, and other service industries that cannot stay at home.. These are difficult times for everyone and a little kindness – just a smile or kind word – will go a long way.
By: Lynne Hart
Executive Coordinator – Keep Athens-Limestone Beautiful