America Recycles Day Billboard Contest Announced for Fall 2026

The Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority is pleased to announce the 17th Annual America Recycles Day Billboard Contest for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders attending public or private schools participating in the Target Recycling at School program in Whitfield County. This year, students can participate whether they are attending classes virtually or in person.

Students are invited to design a billboard in keeping with the spirit of America Recycles Day, which is celebrated yearly on November 15. The top design out of the three grade levels will be displayed during the month of November on two billboards in Whitfield County.

 The artwork is easy to design at home because students only need one piece of 8.5” by 11” white paper and coloring tools. This way, parents of middle school students staying at home this semester can have them compete as well.

Schools in Whitfield County eligible to participate include Eastbrook Middle, New Hope Middle, North Whitfield Middle, Valley Point Middle, Westside Middle, Dalton Junior High, Hammond Creek Middle, Northstar School, Crossroads Academy, Christian Heritage School, and Learning Tree School.

Themes for this year are, “I Recycle, Do You?” and “I Recycle with Recycling Ben!” Students may also create their own theme and phrase. First, second, and third place prizes will be given in each of the school’s entrants. The grand prize is chosen from each of the first-place winners. All schools that compete will receive free school art supplies.

The Contest Guide with two versions of the official entry form can be downloaded at www.DWSWA.org. The deadline for entries is October 16, 2026. There is no entry fee, however, an official entry form needs to be included with the artwork. Winners will be announced on October 18. 

For more information contact Amy Hartline, Recycling and Education Program Coordinator, at 706-278-5001 or e-mail: ahartline@dwswa.org. To learn more about America Recycles Day visit www.americarecyclesday.org.

Landfill, Convenience Centers To Be Closed for Labor Day

Four Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority facilities will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026 in observance of Labor Day. Locations include the Old Dixie Landfill & Convenience Center, McGaughey Chapel Convenience Center, Westside Convenience Center, and the M.L. King Convenience Center.

All locations will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information visit www.DWSWA.org or call 706-277-2444.

Labor Day Holiday Schedule:

Saturday, September 5, 2026 - All Locations Open - Normal Hours (7:00 am – 3:00 pm)

Monday, September 7, 2026 – All Locations Closed

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 – All Locations Open (7:00 am – 6:00 pm) (Westside Normally Closed)

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 – Resume Normal Operating Days and Hours (McGaughey Chapel Closed)

Landfill, Convenience Centers To Be Closed July 4th

Facilities closed in observance of Independence Day

Four Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority facilities will be closed on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in observance of Independence Day. Locations include the Old Dixie Landfill & Convenience Center, McGaughey Chapel Convenience Center, Westside Convenience Center, and the M.L. King Convenience Center. 

All locations will be open on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.  For more information visit www.DWSWA.org or call 706-277-2545.

Independence Day Holiday Schedule:

Saturday, July 4, 2026 – All Locations Closed

Monday, July 6, 2026 – All Locations Open (7:00 am – 6:00 pm)

Landfill, Convenience Centers To Be Closed Monday

Facilities closed in observance of Memorial Day

Four Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority facilities will be closed on Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day.  Locations include the Old Dixie Landfill & Convenience Center, McGaughey Chapel Convenience Center, Westside Convenience Center, and the M.L. King Convenience Center. 

All locations will reopen on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.  For more information visit www.DWSWA.org or call 706-277-2545.

Memorial Day Holiday Schedule:

Saturday, May 23, 2026 - All Locations Open - Normal Hours (7am – 3pm)

Monday, May 25, 2026 – All Locations Closed

 Tuesday, May 26, 2026 – All Locations Open (7am – 6pm)   (Westside Normally Closed)

 Wednesday, May 27, 2026 – Resume Normal Operating Days and Hours (McGaughey Chapel Closed)

CLOSED - Saturday, January 31, 2026 - Landfill, Convenience Centers

The Dalton-Whitfield Solid Waste Authority has announced that its four facilities in Whitfield County will be closed on Saturday, January 31, 2026 due to inclement weather.

Locations include the Old Dixie Landfill & Convenience Center, McGaughey Chapel Convenience Center in Cohutta, Westside Convenience Center in Rocky Face, and the M.L. King Blvd. Convenience Center in Dalton.

For more information visit www.DWSWA.org or call 706-277-2545.

Convenience centers (also called transfer stations) provide drop-off areas for household garbage and collection of recyclable materials from Whitfield County residents.