On November 15, America Recycles Day, Georgia‑based nonprofit Live Thrive is calling on residents to make recycling a daily habit. Founder Derek Miller explains that the organization’s CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) facility shows how responsible recycling supports families, jobs, and the state’s economy.
Georgia’s recycling industry fuels jobs
Georgia is home to more than 100 manufacturers that rely on recycled materials. This billion‑dollar sector creates jobs, supports local businesses, and strengthens the state’s economic base. Miller notes that recycling isn’t just waste removal; it supplies raw materials that keep factories operating and communities thriving.
Environmental benefits for families
Proper recycling conserves natural resources, reduces the need for virgin materials, and keeps harmful substances out of landfills. By extending landfill capacity, recycling protects air, water, and soil—essential components of a healthy, family‑focused lifestyle.
Simple steps for everyday recycling
Live Thrive’s “Fab 5” rule makes it easy: keep items clean, loose, and dry. Common household items such as soda cans, paper towel tubes, soup cans, milk jugs, laundry‑detergent bottles (with caps on), and delivery boxes belong in curbside bins. For harder‑to‑recycle items—glass, Styrofoam, electronics, certain plastics, hazardous household chemicals, appliances, mattresses, textiles, tires, and more—CHaRM accepts over 100 different materials at its two locations.
Impact already shown
Since opening, CHaRM has welcomed more than 55,000 visitors and collected over 3.59 million pounds of material through 2026. Each visit represents a family or individual choosing to protect the environment and support the local economy.
Education and community outreach
Live Thrive offers facility tours, school programs, corporate challenges, and classes that teach children the importance of stewardship. By showing where materials go after they’re dropped off, the nonprofit aims to build lasting habits in the next generation.
As America Recycles Day approaches, Miller urges Georgians to start with the Fab 5, ask questions, and bring families to CHaRM. Recycling isn’t just about discarding waste; it’s about preserving resources, creating jobs, and leaving a healthier world for future generations.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
