News
Sep. News from Live Thrive’s Founder
Beginning October 1, Live Thrive will launch a pilot program in partnership with Novus Solutions to accept vapes for safe recycling. We know these items are becoming increasingly common, and because they contain lithium-ion batteries and other materials that should not go in the trash, finding a responsible solution is important. We’re glad to be able to offer a recycling option for an item that has become more difficult to dispose of properly.
We are also very excited to announce that we are now accepting home medical equipment at CHaRM DeKalb through our partnership with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC). I love this program because it gives useful items such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and adaptive equipment a second life. FODAC refurbishes and sanitizes the equipment so it can go to people who truly need it rather than ending up in a landfill.
Eleven years in, our CHaRM locations continue to show us just how much these services are needed. Year to date, our two locations have welcomed more than 55,000 visitors and collected more than 3.59 million pounds of materials. Each visit represents someone making the choice to dispose of hard-to-recycle materials responsibly, and those individual choices add up to a tremendous impact. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped make this possible.
Get involved! Register your company or community organization for the Corporate + Community Challenge; competition begins November 3rd. It’s a great way to get employees and communities involved in recycling, education, and sustainability while creating a little friendly competition along the way. If your organization hasn’t participated before, I hope you’ll consider joining us this year.
Thanks to our presenting sponsor Cox Enterprises and our premier sponsors The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Novelis and Chick-fil-A, our team is busy getting ready for our annual fundraiser, A CHaRM’ing Evening. On October 22 at The Stave Room, Yacht Rock Revue will provide an intimate performance, and yes, I’ll be fully dressed for our “favorite decade” costume contest! I can’t wait to see everyone’s costumes.
There is a lot to look forward to this fall, and I’m so grateful to our staff, board, partners, volunteers and everyone who continues to support our work. Your generosity allows Live Thrive to continue creating meaningful, sustainable solutions for our community!
Take good care,
Peggy Whitlow Ratcliffe
Founder/Executive Director, Live Thrive
Live Thrive Kids Day featured in Decatur City Lifestyle
We’re excited to share that Live Thrive Kids Day was recently featured in Decatur City Lifestyle!
Thank you to our sponsors, partners, volunteers and the many families who joined us. Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.
Household Hazardous Materials Recycling
Household hazardous materials are more common than you might think. From cleaning supplies to lawn care products, many everyday items contain chemicals that require careful handling and proper disposal.
At CHaRM, we provide a safe and responsible way to manage these materials and help protect our community and environment.
What Are Household Hazardous Materials?
These are products typically found under sinks, in garages or in basements. They are often used for cleaning, pest control, vehicle maintenance and lawn and garden care.
Examples of Accepted Items
CHaRM accepts a wide range of household chemicals, including:
- Paint, paint thinner and wood stains
- Fertilizers
- Pesticides
- Ammonia products
- Flammable liquids like car oil, gasoline and nail polish
- Pool chemicals and other oxidizers
- Acids like rust remover and hydrogen peroxide
- Cleaning products like bleach and stain remover
- Aerosol cans
- Pill medications
Important Guidelines
All materials must be in their original containers. We are unable to accept construction debris, adhesives, lab chemicals or unknown substances. The only 5-gallon buckets accepted are paint buckets.
When you arrive, bring your materials to the paint and chemical station where staff will assist you in weighing them for processing.
What Happens Next?
These materials are sent to Clean Harbors for proper processing. Paint and flammable liquids are converted into fuel blends, while other chemicals undergo a controlled incineration process that safely breaks them down.
Why It Matters
When improperly disposed of, household chemicals can harm our land, water and air. They can also become more dangerous when mixed together.
By bringing these materials to CHaRM, you are helping divert materials from landfills and waterways and supporting a safer, more sustainable Atlanta.
Make your appointment today and view the full list of accepted items and fees at livethrive.org/charm.
Plastic #4 (LDPE) Recycling at CHaRM | What You Need to Know
Not all plastics are the same, and understanding the differences can make a big impact when it comes to recycling. One commonly misunderstood category is Plastic #4, also known as LDPE (low-density polyethylene).
Here’s what it is and how to properly recycle it at CHaRM.
What is Plastic #4?
Plastic #4, or LDPE, is a soft, flexible and lightweight material often used in packaging. You’ll commonly find it in items like plastic bags, food storage containers and foam-like materials.
Most plastic items include a resin code, a number from 1 to 7 inside a triangle, that helps identify the type of plastic. This code is typically located on the bottom or side of the item and helps determine how it can be recycled.
How to Recycle Plastic #4 at CHaRM
When you arrive at CHaRM, head to the Plasticville station where materials are sorted by type. Signage and staff are available to help guide you.
Plastic #4 materials are divided into two categories:
- Rigid plastics (#4 only): Must have a visible resin code to be accepted
- Soft, foam-like materials: Do not require a resin code
It’s important to note that stretchy plastics, even if labeled #4, should be placed in the stretchy plastic container since they are processed by a different vendor.
Common Misconceptions
Plastic #4 materials are often mistaken for styrofoam, but they are not the same. LDPE is more pliable, similar in texture to a pool noodle, and does not break apart as easily.
Preparation Matters
To maintain the value of these materials, make sure all items are clean and free of tape, food and liquid before dropping them off.
What Happens Next?
Collected materials are sent to https://nexuscircular.com, where they are processed into recycled plastic for future use.
Make Your CHaRM Appointment
Ready to recycle your Plastic #4 materials? Schedule your visit today and help support a more sustainable Atlanta.
Recycling in Action: CNN 10 Visits CHaRM DeKalb
In honor of Global Recycling Day, Live Thrive was proud to welcome CNN 10 to CHaRM DeKalb to spotlight how recycling works at the local level — and why it matters.
During the visit, Executive Director and Founder Peggy Whitlow Ratcliffe shared insight into the role CHaRM plays in helping people properly recycle items that don’t belong in curbside bins. From plastics and Styrofoam to paint, electronics and household chemicals, CHaRM provides a place for materials that would otherwise be difficult to handle responsibly.
CHaRM facilities are designed to go beyond traditional recycling. By offering a convenient drop-off location and accepting a wider range of items, the program helps divert materials from landfills and waterways while giving them a second life through reuse and proper processing.
The CNN 10 segment also highlighted an important message: not everything can go in your curbside bin — and knowing where to take those harder-to-recycle items makes a real difference.
At CHaRM DeKalb, that difference adds up every day through community participation, education and a shared commitment to sustainability.
Watch the full CNN 10 segment here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmxoDIH6ddY
Bringing Clothing, Shoes, Books and Instruments to CHaRM
Many people are surprised to learn that CHaRM accepts more than just electronics and hard-to-recycle materials. You can also bring clothing, shoes, books and musical instruments to CHaRM, where they can be reused through partnerships with local organizations. By working with trusted nonprofit partners, CHaRM helps ensure these items are redistributed, reused and placed back into our community whenever possible.
Clothing and Shoes
Usable clothing and shoes collected at CHaRM are distributed through Green Zone. These items are sorted for resale and donation to families in need. To help ensure items can be reused, please make sure any clothing or shoes you bring are clean, dry and free from contamination. When you arrive at CHaRM, clothing and shoes should be placed in their designated containers.
Books
Books brought to CHaRM are collected by Clean Earth Books. Gently used books are redistributed and resold so they can continue to be enjoyed by new readers. Books that cannot be rehomed are responsibly recycled into new paper products. At CHaRM, books should be placed in their designated collection container when you arrive.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments collected at CHaRM are donated to the Gift of Music Foundation. Instruments are cleaned and refurbished before being placed in the hands of local children who may not otherwise be able to afford them. These instruments are also used in after-school music enrichment programs throughout the community. When bringing instruments to CHaRM, please bring them directly to a staff member at the electronics station so they can be handled properly.
Give Reusable Items a Second Life
Something you’re ready to part with may become someone else’s favorite thing. By bringing reusable items to CHaRM, you help extend the life of these materials while supporting organizations doing important work throughout our community. Ready to drop off your items? Schedule your CHaRM appointment today: https://livethrive.org/charm
Plastic #6 Recycling at CHaRM
Watch Full Video Here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0YKwsn1a8Dc
Many plastic items have a resin code — a number from 1 to 7 inside a triangle — that tells you the type of plastic used to make the product. You can usually find this symbol on the bottom or side of the item.
Plastic #6 is also referred to as PS or polystyrene.
Common examples of Plastic #6 accepted at CHaRM include:
Solo cups
To-go food containers
Other rigid food containers
Certain drink lids
If you see the number 6 in the triangle, that item belongs in Plasticville at CHaRM.
Where Do I Drop It Off?
At the facility, you’ll drop Plastic #6 materials at the Plasticville station. Clear signage will guide you on how to sort by material type and our staff is always available to answer questions.
Before placing items in the designated container, make sure they are clean and dry and free from food or liquid contamination. This helps the material maintain its value and ensures proper processing.
Plastic #6 vs. Styrofoam
Plastic #6 is not the same as Styrofoam.
Styrofoam is expanded polystyrene, also known as EPS. While both are forms of polystyrene, they are processed differently. EPS is collected separately at the Styrofoam station on-site.
Be sure to sort these materials correctly when you arrive.
What Happens Next?
Plastic #6 materials collected at CHaRM go to Smurfit Westrock and are then sent to a waste-to-energy facility.
By properly sorting and preparing your materials, you help ensure they are handled responsibly and diverted from landfills and waterways.
Ready to recycle? Make your CHaRM appointment today.
Plastic #5 Recycling at CHaRM
If you’ve ever flipped over a yogurt container and seen a small triangle with the number 5 inside, you’ve found polypropylene — also known as Plastic #5.
At CHaRM, we accept Plastic #5 for recycling, and here’s how the process works.
What is Plastic #5?
Plastic #5, or PP (polypropylene), is commonly used for:
Yogurt and sour cream containers
Dairy tubs
Food storage containers
Container lids
Household goods packaging
You can usually find the resin code (a number 1–7 inside a triangle) on the bottom or side of the item. That number helps identify the type of plastic and its recyclability.
How to Prepare It for Recycling
Before dropping off Plastic #5 at CHaRM:
Make sure it is clean
Make sure it is dry
Remove any food or liquid residue
Clean materials help maintain the value and quality of the plastic so it can be successfully processed.
Where It Goes
Plastic #5 collected at CHaRM is sent to Smurfit Westrock, where it is sold to processors and recycled into new plastic materials. Proper sorting and preparation ensure these materials can continue their lifecycle.
When you visit CHaRM, stop by our Plasticville station. Clear signage will help you sort by plastic type and our team is always available to assist.
Ready to recycle Plastic #5 the right way?
Schedule your CHaRM appointment today and continue helping divert materials from landfills and waterways.
Did You Know CHaRM Accepts Mattresses?
If you’re replacing a mattress and wondering where it can go, CHaRM has you covered. We accept spring mattresses and box springs, helping divert bulky materials from landfills and waterways while supporting meaningful reuse in our community.
Foam mattresses, foam toppers, and mattresses that are wet or heavily soiled cannot be accepted. Once you arrive at CHaRM, you’ll be directed to the mattress trailer, where a staff member will assist with unloading.
Processing fees apply for both residents and businesses and help support responsible handling: $15 for twin and full sizes and $18 for queen and king sizes.
The mattresses and box springs collected at CHaRM are sent to the Furniture Bank of Metro Atlanta. There, they’re dismantled, sanitized, and restuffed before being redistributed to disaster relief areas and shelters. It’s a process that turns old materials into renewed resources for those who need them most.
How to Recycle Tires at CHaRM: What You Need to Know
Did you know CHaRM accepts tires for recycling? Proper tire recycling helps protect soil, groundwater, and nearby waterways while keeping communities cleaner and safer.
CHaRM accepts car tires and bicycle tires only, and all rims must be removed before drop-off. Steel-belted tires are not accepted.
When you arrive at CHaRM, staff will direct you to the tire trailer and assist with unloading. The processing fee for both residents and businesses is $2 per tire.
Tires collected at CHaRM are sent to Liberty Tire Recycling, where they are transformed into rubber mulch or processed into a liquid material used to fill potholes on city streets.
If you ever need to dispose of a tire—or notice one abandoned on the side of the road—bringing it to CHaRM ensures it is responsibly recycled and diverted from landfills and waterways.