News Summary
After a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, Augusta’s curbside recycling program will restart on November 1, 2025. Residents can register for the new mandatory service managed by Coastal Waste & Recycling, with varying monthly fees. The program will supply new 96-gallon recycling carts, but concerns about its clarity and effectiveness have been raised. Residents are encouraged to sign up directly for the service, which aims to improve recycling habits and sustainability in waste management.
Augusta residents can once again participate in curbside recycling, with the program set to restart on November 1, 2025, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Registration for the new service opened on August 1, 2025, and will be managed by Coastal Waste & Recycling.
The new recycling initiative requires residents to establish a separate service with Coastal; it will not be automatically included with garbage pickup. Monthly fees for the service vary based on frequency: $14.69 for weekly service, $13.69 for bi-monthly service, and $12.69 for monthly service.
As part of the program, Coastal Waste will provide residents with new 96-gallon recycling carts to facilitate the collection of recyclable materials. However, some residents have raised concerns about the clarity and sustainability of the new program.
From 2020 until August 2025, items placed in recycling bins were not processed for recycling, as they were instead sent to landfills. This has contributed to community frustration over the lack of transparency and understanding regarding recycling in Augusta.
Residents like Nancy and Robert Dillard have voiced their worries about the new program’s effectiveness and the necessity of clear communication. It remains uncertain how many residents need to enroll in order for the recycling service to be viable. Currently, EPA data indicates that only 32% of municipal solid waste is recycled on a national level, highlighting the need for improved recycling efforts.
The city aims to create a more robust recycling initiative after previous attempts were integrated into waste management contracts that date back to 2013. Over time, awareness regarding these recycling services dwindled, leading to confusion among residents. The new contract stipulates that recycling will now be an optional add-on service rather than a standard component.
Residents interested in signing up for the curbside recycling program are encouraged to contact Coastal Waste & Recycling directly for registration and support. The city hopes that this new program will promote better recycling habits and lead to higher sustainability in waste management.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Augusta Discontinues Automatic Recycling Service
Augusta’s Broad Street Transformation Begins Soon
Augusta Launches New Curbside Recycling Program
Augusta Launches Curbside Recycling Program
Augusta Resumes Curbside Recycling Services
Additional Resources
- WRDW: Augustans Have Many Questions About New Recycling Program
- Wikipedia: Recycling
- Augusta Chronicle: Augusta Residents Can Register for Curbside Recycling
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Recycling
- WJBF: Recycling Plan Heading to Augusta Commission
- Google Search: Curbside Recycling Augusta
- The Augusta Press: Curbside Recycling Returns to Augusta
- WFXG: Curbside Recycling Returns to Augusta
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
