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Solid Waste

Show All Answers

1. What is a transfer station?

A transfer station is a building in which waste from multiple trucks is combined and placed in larger tractor trailers for transport to a landfill. The transfer station has a concrete floor on which waste is temporarily placed until it can be transported.
Jackson County Transfer Station is located at 100 Landfill Drive, Jefferson, GA 30549.

2. Which landfill does your transfer station utilize?

Waste Management / R&B Landfill located at 610 Bennett Road, Homer, GA 30547.

3. What is a compactor site?

These are collection centers that accept bagged household waste. They charge a flat rate per bag. Jackson County operates 2 compactor sites for the convenience of its citizens. See Compactor Site Maps for locations.

4. What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, checks, debit and credit cards - at the transfer station.

Cash & checks - at the compactor sites.

5. Is it possible to set up a charge account?

Yes, you may download a charge account application. Send the completed form to Jackson County Finance Department, 67 Athens Street, Jefferson, GA 30549, or via fax at (706)708-2505.

6. Can you tell me in advance how much my load will cost?

Yes and no. If you have a small number of bags or furniture items, we can tell you the charge per bag or item. If you have a larger load which must be weighed, the charge will be based on how much weight you bring in, therefore we have to wait until you weigh out to calculate your charges. Our rate is $65 per ton, prorated. For example: If you bring in a larger load, we will enter your vehicle weight into the computer. You will then go to the transfer station and unload. When you come back on the scale, we will enter your empty weight into the computer and your charges will be calculated based on the difference. Sample calculation: Weight in: 8460 lbs Weight out: 7120 lbs Net weight: 1340 lbs 1340 divided by 2000 (1 ton) = .67 tons .67 X $65.00 = $43.55. You would owe $43.55 for 1340 lbs of garbage.

7. I pay taxes in Jackson County. Why do I have to pay to dispose of my garbage?

Some of the surrounding counties include garbage disposal in their tax digest, but Jackson County does not. The system we use is called "pay-as-you-throw". It is similar to other utilities, in that you pay for what you use.

8. Are special bags required to dispose of trash at the transfer station or compactor sites?

No. Regular garbage bags are accepted.

9. How can I dispose of old tires?

The transfer station will accept old tires. Passenger tires cost $7.00 each - tractor trailer tires and racing slicks cost $12.00 each.  All OTR tires (i.e. tractor and equipment tires) are $500.00 per ton.  *** We will no longer accept tires that have been unearthed.

10. What do I do with my old paint?

Paint has a long shelf-life. It is still usable as long as it mixes smoothly and isn't lumpy. Try to buy only what you need and share any that may be left-over with friends, family and charitable organizations. The transfer station will accept paint for recycling.  Please see disposal fees for rates.

You may also dispose of left-over paint by following these steps: Locate a safe, dry area outside - away from pets and children. Remove the lid from the can and allow it to sit until dry. You can speed up the drying process by pouring the paint into a bucket or box lined with plastic and mixing it with kitty litter, sand, sawdust or shredded newspaper. When dry, the paint, cans and other materials may then be safely disposed of with your garbage.

11. Where can I take my used motor oil?

Most auto parts stores and quick lubes will accept used motor oil at no charge. You may want to contact them directly to find out if there is a limit on the amount they will accept.

12. How do I safely dispose of fluorescent light bulbs?

Please see Keep Jackson County Beautiful's page on light bulb disposal.

13. Do I need to put a tarp or cover over my load?

Yes, you must tarp your vehicle and/or trailer. Please help us keep Jackson County litter-free.

14. What should I do with my unused prescription medications?

Please DO NOT flush any medications down the sink or toilet. The Sheriff’s Office has a box in the jail lobby for prescription pills. However, no creams or liquids are accepted at the Sheriff’s Office. Cream medications may be disposed of in your household garbage as long as they are in a closed container. Liquid medications may be mixed with coffee grounds or kitty litter and disposed of in your household garbage.

15. Do you accept burn barrel ashes?

No. We would like to remind our citizens that burning household waste in barrels is illegal. Therefore, we do not accept burn barrel ashes.

16. Is there someone to help me unload my vehicle?

Ultimately you are responsible for unloading your own vehicle, but inmates will assist if they are available.  They are not allowed inside of an enclosed truck or trailer. You are also responsible for letting them know if an item should not be taken off of your vehicle.

If you are using a compactor site, you are responsible for unloading your own vehicle.

17. Am I allowed to tip state inmates?

No. It is against the law to give anything to state inmates. This includes, but is not limited to: tobacco, money, food, drinks and use of cell phones. Dealing with state inmates could lead to prosecution under GA Code 42-5-18(A).