In an effort to provide the best recycling services to customers while maintaining sustainability, the City of Thomasville has announced changes to its recycling program. Due to significant shifts in recycling markets, the handling of corrugated cardboard has changed. Beginning June 1, 2026, the sale of recycled corrugated cardboard will be paused as market conditions no longer support a sustainable program.
Corrugated cardboard will now be directed to the Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste area of the landfill, which is separate from regular household garbage.
“Market conditions have made it increasingly difficult to sustain traditional cardboard recycling efforts,” said Chris White, City Manager. “While this is a temporary shift, we are actively exploring new partnerships and funding opportunities to bring back a stronger, more resilient recycling program.”
While City staff will continue to identify alternative solutions, such as seeking grant funding, White said that this could also be a potential opportunity for the private sector. “There is certainly an opportunity for the private sector to step in and establish a program, which we would welcome as a potential partnership,” he said. “Ultimately, we would support viable recycling options in the future for our community.”
While a traditional recycling of corrugated cardboard for market resale is currently on hold, the community can still look for ways to incorporate sustainability efforts individually. Households are encouraged to look for ways to reuse their cardboard waste, possibly as mulch or more creative options that can be found online.
Residents and businesses should also continue to separate corrugated cardboard from regular household waste. Proper separation ensures that materials are placed in the appropriate landfill area, supporting better environmental outcomes and more efficient waste management practices.
“Separating cardboard still plays an important role in how we manage waste locally,” said Jimmy Smith, Jr., Director of Solid Waste and Landfill. “By placing it in the correct area of the landfill, we can ensure it is handled in the most environmentally responsible way available to us today.”
The City of Thomasville will maintain its Self-Drop-Off Recycling Center, located at the 1300 Block of Remington Avenue, with the operational hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday; closed on Sunday. City Management encourages citizens to use best recycling practices by reducing contamination. “When recyclables are not clean or mixed with other items, this reduces our sustainability efforts,” added Smith.
Recycling best practices include:
- Rinse your recyclable aluminum cans to be sure they are free of debris and liquids.
- Metal & steel should be free of food, debris, or liquids.
- Break down cardboard boxes, and be sure that they are free of staples, tape, or any other material(s) that is not cardboard related before tossing them in the bin. Keep in mind that cardboard with residue such as greasy pizza boxes cannot be accepted.
- It is important to follow recycling rules closely to avoid bin contamination. Items that are not currently accepted at the Recycling Center include: plastic, plastic bags, Styrofoam, household garbage, batteries, yard debris, tires, and glass.
- Be sure to place your recyclables in the correct bin. Signage has been placed on the bins to let citizens know where to place each item.
The City also offers electronics recycling twice each year (at designated locations) and curbside white goods recycling, which includes items such as household appliances, the third Saturday of each month (by request only for City residential customers). “In addition, the Solid Waste Department also holds annual recycling events such as Spring Clean and our popular Christmas tree recycling program,” said Smith. “We are committed to offering our customers easy solutions for their recycling needs. Proper recycling practices are key to a healthy recycling program.”
For more information about the City of Thomasville Recycling Center, call 229-227-7092 or visit thomasville.org.