Two years since launching the Think Green recycling program, the City of Starkville has
expanded drop-off locations to boost program participation and improve access and
convenience for local residents.
In addition to the main site at the Sanitation & Environmental Services Department, the city
operates a drop-off site at the corner of South Montgomery Street and Academy Road near
Fire Station Four. Residents may drop off recycling there on Mondays, Wednesdays and
Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Recycling drop-off also is available at the Community Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 8
to 11 a.m. at Fire Station Park, 503 East Lampkin Street. The final market of the year will be
Saturday, Nov. 18.
“We’re working to make recycling easier and more convenient for Starkville residents, no
matter where they live,” said Ward 5 Alderman Hamp Beatty. “Local support has been strong
for recycling, and we want to keep the trend going by providing more drop-off locations to
serve residents.”
In 2021, the city opened the Think Green site at the Sanitation & Environmental Services
Department at 506 Dr. Douglas L. Conner Drive. Drop-off hours are Monday through Friday
from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Think Green accepts two types of recyclable materials: Cardboard and paper, and tin and
aluminum cans. Residents are responsible for depositing recyclables in the appropriate
containers at drop-off sites during operating hours.
When designing the Think Green program, city leaders were intent on providing access to
basic recycling services at no charge to participants. They’ve upheld that commitment by
using resources efficiently and keeping program expenses to a minimum. The city has
continued contracting with Waste Pro of Lowndes County to haul off recyclables.
Residents also have helped the city control costs by making sure recyclables are not
contaminated with food or liquids, which can incur a processing fee. Examples include greasy
pizza boxes and unrinsed food cans.
“We haven’t received any contamination reports since starting the program, which has helped
avoid extra charges,” said Chris Smiley, director of sanitation. “Recycling has picked up
tremendously in the last several months, and we’re working to enhance Starkville’s recycling
services to meet a growing need throughout the community.”
Recycling plays a key role in Starkville’s “Sustainable City Principles,” which outlines the
city’s goal to promote a sustainable future through environmental leadership.
“Sustainability is important because the actions we take today will have an impact on future
generations,” said Mayor Lynn Spruill. “Recycling has many benefits, such as saving natural
resources and reducing carbon emissions. It’s one way we can contribute to a cleaner, greener
Starkville and develop our city responsibly and sustainably.”
Learn more about Think Green at https://www.cityofstarkville.org/recycling