ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Function
The Environmental Services Department leads environmental stewardship initiatives in the City of
Smyrna. This includes promoting and enhancing Smyrna’s natural environment through innovative
sustainability programs, community engagement, and responsible resource management. The
department educates the public on proper recycling practices, reduces waste and litter in the
community, provides access to local gardening, and maintains a drop-off recycling facility.
Key programs of the Environmental Services Department include the following:
Keep Smyrna Beautiful
KSB is member of the Keep America Beautiful network, a behavioral based systems approach to
preventing litter and encouraging recycling and community beautification/improvement. Keep
Smyrna Beautiful (KSB) is operated in collaboration with a 16-member volunteer Board of Directors.
KSB engages residents in volunteer-centric programs focused on environmental stewardship: litter
reduction/prevention, promotion of healthy streams, pollinator support, promotion of the urban
tree canopy, recycling collection, education, beautification, and community events that reduce
waste.
Smyrna Recycling Center
The Smyrna Recycling Center is a drop-off facility where residents can bring a variety of recycling
items including those not accepted through the curbside recycling program. The Smyrna Recycling
Center works to transform the community's approach to waste management by providing
accessible recycling services that maximize material recovery and encourage full community
participation. Through comprehensive services, innovative education programs, and environmental
stewardship, the recycling center strives to empower every resident, business, and organization to
actively engage in recycling practices, ensuring maximum diversion from landfills. The recycling
center provides educational tours to residents and school groups and utilizes the Community
Service Program, engaging those in need of court-ordered service.
Smyrna Community Garden
The Smyrna Community Garden is a 0.5-acre, 98-plot garden located in North Cooper Lake Park. It
offers opportunities for sustainable urban agriculture by providing residents with accessible garden
plots to grow their own organic produce and flowers. The community garden fosters environmental
stewardship, promotes organic gardening practices, and creates educational opportunities that
empower community members to become knowledgeable gardeners. Through shared spaces and
shared knowledge, the garden aims to strengthen neighborhood connections, enhance food
security, and create a thriving green space that enriches the lives of Smyrna residents.
Additional environmental stewardship events and programs overseen by this department include
the Bulky Trash Amnesty Day event, the One Million Trees Initiative, Front Yard Tree Program, and
the outreach and education components of the City’s stormwater management plan.
166