Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo by Kate Awtrey

NORCROSS -- Hundreds of people came to downtown Norcross on Saturday in vehicles loaded up with old computer equipment and bags of paper to shred.

The city's code enforcement office was hosting its biannual community cleanup day, which allows Norcross residents to dispose of bulky items at the Public Works' barn. Additionally, the public could stop by Norcross City Hall to drop off paper to be shredded by American Security Shredding or the Norcross Arts and Cultural Center to recycle electronics through Atlanta Recycling Solutions.

Each event is bigger than the last, Code Enforcement Supervisor Philomena Robertson. One of the big draws, she said, is the event's convenience.

"Having all this in one location on one day just makes them want to do it all the more," she said.

Another attractive element is that the services are offered free (with the exception of a $10 charge for recycling televisions). Robertson said participants are encouraged to also participate in a canned food drive by donating items for the Gwinnett Cities "Can" Do for Hunger, a campaign that benefits local food pantries.

Norcross resident Amanda Gainer said she thinks it's great that the cleanup day exists.

"It's helping with stuff getting recycled," she said.

Peachtree Corners resident Eric Craig dropped off some old computer equipment during the event.

"I don't want to just dump it in the garbage," he said.

Robertson said 10,000 pounds of paper have been shredded at previous events. Chuck Davis of Atlanta Recycling Solutions said he typically collects 20,000 to 25,000 pounds at the event.

The next community cleanup day is scheduled for April 9.