Release:

The City of Valdosta is continuing to implement safety measures for public works staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We have received feedback from many city residents suggesting the use of drop sites for recyclables. As we increase staffing in the public works department, drop sites have been installed at three locations around the city. Recycling services will resume on Thursday, April 30 utilizing ONLY the drop site locations. Curbside recycling pickup is still suspended.

Recyclables can be placed at one of the following drop sites:

1. Customer Service Parking Lot (102 N. Lee Street)
2. Five-Points Shopping Center
3. City lot on Hill Avenue (1025 W Hill Ave)

Solid waste collection is a critical and essential job as part of the response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. You can help protect the health of the men and women who collect your sanitation during this vital time. According to health experts, the virus may live for up to 24 hours on cardboard and two to three days on plastic. With a few simple steps, you can protect sanitation workers by reducing the possibility they will come into contact with potentially contaminated items.

• Tissues, paper towels, wipes, masks, latex gloves, or any other sanitary or cleaning materials used to protect you from COVID-19 should NOT go into recycling carts or bins. (These items are never recyclable.) Recycled materials are often handled by workers when sorted later.

• Break down large cardboard boxes and cut them apart, if needed, to fit inside the recycling container.

• Empty your bottles, cans, and other containers before you recycle them.

• Food and liquids never belong in recycling.

When using the drop off sites for recyclables, please follow all safety policies and procedures. You should keep at least 6 feet of distance from other customers and city employees at all times. It is important that customers unload materials in the correct area to avoid requiring staff to handle discarded materials. Additionally, always follow all safety rules regarding speed limits, cell phone usage, and remaining near/in your vehicle.

During this time, garbage pick-up will continue as scheduled. Please remember to sanitize your handle and lid before putting your trash bin out for pickup.

If you have any questions in regards to your sanitation schedule, please call Public Works at 229-259-3588.