Atlanta is quickly becoming a leader in sustainability efforts, and residents have access to a growing number of resources to help them live greener lives. Whether you’re looking to reduce waste, save energy, or support local eco-friendly initiatives, this guide will introduce you to valuable tools and organizations right in your community. Understanding and utilizing these resources not only benefits the environment but also enhances the health and well-being of all Atlantans. Join us as we explore practical ways to embrace sustainability in your daily routine and contribute to a cleaner, more vibrant city.

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Living in Atlanta, we’re part of a growing movement toward greener, more resilient communities. Sustainable practices, from composting and recycling to energy-efficient homes and local food access, don’t just benefit the planet, but also improve community health, reduce waste, and boost resource resilience. Below are resources, programs, and groups around the city where you can plug in, learn, or take action

Local Organizations & Initiatives Supporting Sustainability

Live Thrive / CHaRM (Centers for Hard to Recycle Materials)

• Live Thrive runs CHaRM, one of the Metro-Atlanta area’s main drop-off centers for hard-to-recycle items. They accept materials that are often rejected by curbside pickup — helping keep hazardous waste, electronics, and hard-to-recycle plastics out of landfills. livethrive.org

AgLanta — Urban Agriculture & Food-Waste Solutions

• AgLanta works on urban farming, community gardens, and food-waste solutions as part of its mission to improve food access and waste reduction in the city. AgLanta

Food Well Alliance — Composting & Soil-Health Support for Gardens, Farms & Residents

Their work supports dozens — if not hundreds — of community gardens and urban farms within the region, helping make local, sustainable food more accessible. Food Well Alliance+1

City- & County-Level Waste, Recycling & Energy Efficiency Programs

Atlanta Recycles

• A coalition of public and private entities are working to improve recycling infrastructure and practices throughout the city. Their resources cover recycling at home, in apartments, at work, in schools, and at events. atlanta recycles
• For example, if you live in a single-family home, curbside recycling is available; if you’re in a multifamily residential building but aren’t getting recycling service, Atlanta Recycles can help point you to alternative or drop-off options. Atlanta GA+1

Livable Buckhead & the BuckheadCOMPOSTS Initiative

• Livable Buckhead runs BuckheadCOMPOSTS — a composting program (supported by a recent EPA grant) that provides free compost services to participating apartment and condo communities. livablebuckhead.com+1
• This program makes composting feasible even for people living in multi-family dwellings and offers educational resources and community engagement to build more sustainable habits. livablebuckhead.com+1

Fulton County – Home Energy Efficiency & Water Rebates

• For homeowners (and sometimes renters) in Fulton County, there are resources like home energy rebates for upgrades, e.g., insulation, efficient appliances, leak detection, and other energy-saving measures. Fulton County Government
• Such programs reduce both energy bills and greenhouse-gas emissions, which is a good option if you want to make your home part of the sustainability solution. Fulton County Government

Community Action & Climate Justice

ECO-Action — Grassroots Community Energy + Waste Diversion Work

• ECO-Action has recently received grants to work with historically underinvested neighborhoods in Atlanta (e.g., Peoplestown, Proctor Creek) to address energy burdens, food waste diversion, and climate-related health issues. Metro Atlanta CEO
• They support community-led composting programs and training, making sustainability accessible and equitable for residents even in neighborhoods that have suffered from environmental injustice. Metro Atlanta CEO

Georgia Conservancy — Broader Environmental Advocacy & Land Conservation

• The Georgia Conservancy works statewide (headquartered in Atlanta) to protect natural lands, promote stewardship, and support sustainable, resilient growth. Wikipedia
• While not all programs may target urban Atlanta directly, their advocacy and conservation efforts help preserve the green spaces, waterways, and biodiversity that benefit the entire region. 

How to Get Started: Steps for Residents

Engage with environmental justice and equity-focused efforts. Organizations like ECO-Action work to ensure sustainability benefits all, including underserved neighborhoods.

Recycle and responsibly discard hard-to-recycle items. Instead of tossing bulky or hazardous waste into the trash, use CHaRM (operated by Live Thrive). It’s a reliable option for electronics, chemicals, plastics, and other tough-to-recycle materials.

Compost kitchen scraps or join a community compost program. Look into Food Well Alliance resources, or if you live in Buckhead and your building participates, BuckheadCOMPOSTS may be a viable option. Composting helps divert waste and supports local gardens.

Support or join urban farms/community gardens. Groups like AgLanta or community gardens linked to Food Well Alliance make it possible to grow fresh produce, resupply soil, and help feed local neighborhoods.

Explore home efficiency upgrades or rebates. Especially if you live in Fulton County, you may qualify for water or energy rebates as a way to shrink your household’s carbon footprint and reduce costs.

Finally,

Atlanta offers more sustainability resources than many people realize. From composting and recycling to energy efficiency and food-access programs. Whether you’re interested in reducing household waste, growing local food, or lowering your energy usage, there’s an initiative or organization ready to help.