Gordon County is making it easier for residents to recycle paper, thanks to a $69,523 grant from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. The funding supports the return of paper recycling at all six county compactor sites.
In partnership with Keep Calhoun Gordon Beautiful (KCGB), Republic Waste Services, and North Georgia Textile Supply Company, the county has purchased six new roll-off containers to collect paper. Once filled, the bins will be hauled to North Georgia Textile Supply in Calhoun, where the paper will be sorted, baled, and prepared for reuse.
“The grant allows us to streamline paper recycling and keep the process transparent,” said KCGB’s Judy Peterson. “We’ll track every shipment and publicly share data to prove your paper isn’t ending up in a landfill.”
While the containers cost just over $50,000—below the grant’s total—Peterson emphasized the long-term benefits. Recycling paper not only saves energy and trees but also helps reduce household waste volume by up to 80%. Other recyclable materials accepted locally include cardboard, tin, aluminum, and plastic.
The six community collection sites are located in Dews Pond, Harris Beamer, Plainville, Ranger, Resaca, and Sugar Valley. All sites are free and open most days from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Paper can also be recycled at Calhoun’s city recycling center on Pine Street.
“We have the facilities, the partnerships, and now the funding,” Peterson said. “Now we need every household to do their part.”
