Gwinnett fining residents who don't recycle

LAWRENCEVILLE - Gwinnett County residents may have to pay a $500 fine if they don't recycle.

Under a new solid waste ordinance, the suburban Atlanta county penalizes those who throw recyclable items in the trash. The aim is to meet a state policy that requires counties and cities to reduce solid waste by 25 percent.

Local governments reaching that goal will get preference on applications for new landfills.

Gwinnett's recycling program is set to be up and running by July. The county will haul away a list of 35 recyclable items, appliances and furniture.

No other counties in metro Atlanta require recycling, though most offer free hauling as part of trash removal.