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Gwinnett County’s First Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Set for February 11

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Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful and the Department of Water Resources to host an environmentally focused community event — Volunteers needed!

In February, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful (GC&B), with its partners at Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources (DWR), will provide a free opportunity for its neighbors throughout the county to drop off household hazardous waste for recycling or proper disposal.

The first Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day of 2023 will take place Saturday, February 11 at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds in Lawrenceville from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

As a result of the biannual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days in 2022, 1,422 Gwinnettians decluttered their homes while diverting 161,874 pounds of hazardous materials from local landfills. A bigger turnout is predicted for this year.

Hazardous Waste Collection Day
Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Looking for volunteers

“To help ensure a smooth event, we’re seeking an additional 50 volunteers,” said Schelly Marlatt, Executive Director for GC&B. “We only have a four-hour window to collect materials from hundreds of cars, so this is a ‘the more, the merrier’ scenario.”

She added that it’s a great opportunity to spend some time outdoors, meet other people who have a heart for the environment, fulfill volunteer hours for school and club commitments, and do something good for the community.

“Volunteers will help direct traffic, be assigned a station to help haul materials from vehicles, break down boxes, and more. It’s easy but rewarding work,” she said.

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds will play host to February's HHW Event
Volunteers at Hazardous Waste Collection Day

Marlatt explained that when people throw household hazardous materials in the trash, it winds up in the landfill and could leech into the soil, contaminating groundwater and the environment. The dangerous combination of some of those materials during the disposal process could even lead to a chemical reaction resulting in a fire or explosion.

“It might not seem like it at the moment when our volunteers are collecting items from the trunks and backseats of our attendees’ cars, but we’re saving the planet — one pesticide, paint can, and propane cylinder at a time!” she said.

To sign on as a volunteer for this and future events, Marlatt encourages interested individuals and groups to visit Volunteer Gwinnett.

Hazardous Waste Collection Day info

Attendees are permitted to bring up to five containers of household waste. Containers must be the size of a copy paper box or laundry basket, and — since they cannot be returned once removed from the car — disposable containers are recommended.

Acceptable items for collection include:

  • Aerosol/spray pesticides
  • Automotive products (engine degreaser, brake fluid, transmission fluid, antifreeze, etc.)
  • Cleaners, corrosives, spot removers, acids, and bases
  • Aerosol/spray paint
  • Auto batteries
  • Batteries (household and rechargeable)
  • Chlorinated solvents
  • Cooking oil and grease
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Flammables (lighter fluid and waste fuels (kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel, etc.)
  • Fluorescent bulbs and ballasts
  • Insecticides
  • Latex and water-based paints
  • Lawn care products
  • Mercury
  • Mercury salts and elemental mercury thermometers
  • Oil-based paint and stains
  • Oxidizers
  • Pesticides
  • Poisons
  • Propane cylinders
  • Solvents and varnishes
  • Thermostats and other mercury-containing items
  • Thinners and paint strippers
  • Weed killer
  • Wood preservatives

“While we traditionally collect items like tires, electronics, and paper for shredding at other annual recycling events like Earth Day and America Recycles Day, we will not have the capacity to accept those items at our Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day,” added Marlatt.

She suggested that attendees plan to bring their tires, and electronic and paper items to GC&B’s Earth Day Recycling Event at Coolray Field on April 22.

Items that will NOT be collected during the Feb. 11 event include:

  • Ammunition
  • Radioactive waste
  • Pharmaceuticals, and
  • Biomedical/biohazard waste.

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds is located at 2405 Sugarloaf Pkwy. in Lawrenceville. Volunteers are asked to report at 8 a.m. on the day of the event.

Questions about February’s Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day can be directed to Program Coordinator, Stephanie Marquardt at 770-822-5187 or gwinnettcb@gwinnettcb.org.

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City Government

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners: Community Meeting

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Flyer for a community meeting regarding law enforcement in Peachtree Corners.

The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.

This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.

The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.

Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.

In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.

After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.

Meeting details

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners

Date/Time: May 8, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church (5775 Peachtree Parkway)

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

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Community

Registration Now Open for Light Up the Corners 2025

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The starting line of a community race with green, inflatable start archway and dozens of racers and specators.

It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!

Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.

This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.

All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.

Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.

Sponsorships available

In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.

T-shirt logo contest

Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.

The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.

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City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

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Mayor Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners, wearing a white button up shirt and blue blazer

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

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