ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Function
The Environmental Services Department leads environmental stewardship initiatives in the City of
Smyrna. This includes promoting the importance of the natural environment, educating the public on
proper recycling practices, reducing waste and litter in the community, providing access to local
gardening, and maintaining a drop-off recycling facility.
The department oversees the day-to-day operations of Keep Smyrna Beautiful (KSB) in collaboration
with a 16-member volunteer Board of Directors. KSB is a member of the non-profit Keep America
Beautiful Systems, a behavioral based systems approach to preventing litter and encouraging recycling
and community beautification/improvement. KSB engages residents in volunteer centric programs
focused on litter reduction/prevention, promotion of healthy streams, recycling education,
beautification, and community events that reduce waste. KSB conducts an annual litter index, an
educational Garden Tour, provides grants to schools within City limits for beautification/gardening, and
provides recycling for several City events.
Environmental Services manages the Smyrna Recycling Center, a drop-off facility where residents can
bring recycling, including items that are not accepted curbside. The center provides educational tours to
residents and school groups, as well as oversees the Community Service Program, engaging those in
need of court-ordered service. Additional environmental stewardship events and programs include the
Hefty EnergyBag Program, Bulky Trash Amnesty Day, and One Million Trees Initiative.
Division 45800 funds the Environmental Services division. Additional sources of income include (1)
Community Garden plot rental fees, which support garden costs, and (2) TV, monitor, and paint
recycling fees from the Recycling Center.
Major Goals & Objectives
• Engage residents in environmental stewardship through education and hands-on involvement.
• Promote the proper handling of solid waste through educational programs and materials.
• Educate residents on a range of environmental issues including, but not limited to, litter
reduction, recycling, energy use, and storm water management.
• Promote the programs and services of KSB, Smyrna Recycling Center, and Community Garden.
• Develop, and reinforce, partnerships with other city departments, businesses, schools, and
organizations to best engage and serve residents.
Performance Measures
• Volunteer hours
• Number of community members engaged in community events
• Litter Index performance
• Pounds of litter cleaned by KSB volunteer programs including Adopt-A-Mile, Community
Cleanups, Rivers Alive, and Adopt-a-Trail, along with the Community Service Program
176