Last year the department took the third place prize.
The awards recognize the efforts of organizations and businesses that provide environmental education or other conservation messages to change attitudes and promote responsible waste handling, according to KGBF officials.
“Since opening in 1991, the Snellville recycling center has seen a 1,000 percent increase in the amount of material recycled with them and has grown into one of the finest facilities of its kind in the Southeast,” KGBF officials said.
From July 2013 to June 2014, the city’s recycling center processed more than 8,300 cubic yards of ground yard waste and 781 tons of recyclables, plus the 215 tons of recyclables picked up per month throughout the city.
“I’m honored to be part of such an environmentally conscious city,” said Public Works Director Gaye Johnson. “Winning first place for the state of Georgia in waste reduction is no small feat. I couldn’t be prouder of our Snellville citizens for being pro-recycling and making a difference. Recycling from residential curbside, commercial cardboard and our drop off site at the Recycling Center made a major impact on what was diverted from the landfills.
“The efforts and hard work from our recycling employees goes above and beyond in order to help and provide great services.”
Since its inception in 1978, Georgia’s Keep America Beautiful affiliates have grown to be the nation’s largest; with 77 local affiliates serving 76 percent of the state’s population.
For more information about the KGB Foundation, visit www.keepgeorgiabeautiful.org or call 404-679-4910.
