The Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM), located near downtown Athens, addresses the challenge of recycling difficult materials. CHaRM, located at 1005 College Avenue, is a specialized facility that manages items unsuitable for regular curbside recycling due to hazardous components or unique sizes. This includes automotive fluids, gas tanks, and physical media storage.
CHaRM plays a vital role in environmental conservation by recycling items like styrofoam, which are difficult to decompose and harmful to wildlife. From July 2023 to February 2024, CHaRM processed 6,515 pounds of styrofoam, demonstrating its capability in handling such materials.
The facility is accessible to both local residents and visitors, featuring a drive-thru system for easy drop-off of recyclable materials. Although there is a small fee, CHaRM accepts a variety of items, from common recyclables to more challenging waste like scrap metal and food scraps.
From July 2023 to February 2024, CHaRM diverted 168.8 tons of waste from landfills, underscoring its significant impact on waste management and environmental sustainability. During this period, the facility also safely processed 15-20 tons of hazardous chemicals, preventing potential ecological damage.
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