Trash & Recycling in Decatur, AL (2026)
8 verified trash & recycling rules for Decatur, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, the sanitation department or its contractor collects residential garbage at least once each week, and the city supplies one container for garbage and one for leaves, grass and shrubbery. Tree limbs must be cut to five feet or less, and no bundle or limb can weigh more than 75 pounds.
Decatur, AL Trash and Yard Waste Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsDecatur City Code §§ 19-18, 19-19
(a)Leaves and grass clippings shall be containerized and placed for pickup on the collection day determined by the superintendent of the sanitation department. During the period October first to May first of each year, leaves and grass clippings in quantities greater than the equivalent of three (3) approved containers may be placed in loose piles adjacent to that portion of the street right-of...
Bin Placement Rules
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, garbage cans and approved containers go where the sanitation department directs, on the days and between the hours it designates, and must be secured against wind and animals. Residential collection is at the alley where one exists, otherwise at the street edge in front of the house, outside any fence.
Decatur, AL Garbage Cart Placement Rules
Light RestrictionsDecatur City Code §§ 19-13, 19-16
(a)All garbage cans and approved containers to be emptied by the sanitation department or the city's contractor shall be placed at places to be determined by the sanitation department on the days and between the hours designated by the said department.(b)All garbage cans and approved containers shall be so situated so that they cannot be overturned by wind or animals.(c)All garbage cans and app...
Bulk Item Disposal
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, bulky waste and tree limbs from homes and apartments go beside the sidewalk and curb or in a place the sanitation department approves. Limbs are cut to five feet or less, no bundle or limb weighs over 75 pounds, and pickup follows the department's collection schedule.
Decatur, AL Bulky Waste and Limb Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsDecatur City Code § 19-18(e)
(e)All bulky waste to be removed by the city from private residences or apartments shall be placed either beside the sidewalk and curb or in an accessible place approved by the sanitation department. Tree limbs shall be cut in lengths not exceeding five (5) feet in length with protruding branches trimmed. They shall be placed in an orderly and neat manner adjacent to that portion of the street ...
Illegal Dumping
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, it is unlawful to dump refuse on any property other than a garbage dump, to deposit refuse on a street, alley, sidewalk, park or another person's property, or to leave refuse where wind or rain can carry it there. The rule reaches the city limits and its police jurisdiction. The penalty is a fine of $1 to $500 and up to six months.
Decatur, AL Illegal Dumping and Littering Penalties
Some RestrictionsDecatur City Code §§ 19-3, 19-4, 19-22
(a)It shall be unlawful for any person to sweep, throw or otherwise deposit or cause to be swept, thrown or otherwise deposited any refuse into or on any public street, alley, sidewalk, park or the property of another person or property which is in the possession of another person within the corporate limits and police jurisdiction of the city or to permit any refuse to accumulate in such manne...
Yard Waste Collection
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, leaves and grass clippings go out in containers on the collection day the sanitation superintendent sets. From October 1 to May 1, amounts above three approved containers can sit in loose piles by the street, kept clear of gutters and ditches. Shrubbery and garden clippings go in neat piles.
Decatur, AL Leaves, Grass and Yard Waste Rules
Some RestrictionsDecatur City Code § 19-18(a), (d)
(a)Leaves and grass clippings shall be containerized and placed for pickup on the collection day determined by the superintendent of the sanitation department. During the period October first to May first of each year, leaves and grass clippings in quantities greater than the equivalent of three (3) approved containers may be placed in loose piles adjacent to that portion of the street right-of...
Dumpster Rules
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, a large removable container such as a dumpster replaces garbage cans only with the sanitation superintendent's approval, and the property is then classed as a business establishment. Builders of apartments and commercial buildings must submit container locations for approval before a building permit. City-furnished containers cost $21.00 to $135.00 per month.
Decatur, AL Commercial Dumpster Rules
Some RestrictionsDecatur City Code §§ 19-1, 19-12, 19-13
Open top waste containers, dumpsters, or roll-off boxes. "Open top waste containers, dumpsters, or roll-off boxes" shall mean steel bins or boxes made to serve as receptacles for solid wastes with provisions for motorized lifting and emptying by specially designated truck- mounted equipment. ... (b)Subject to the approval of the superintendent of the sanitation department, persons charged in th...
Collection Schedule
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, the sanitation department or the city's contractor collects residential garbage not less than once each week. The city supplies one container for garbage and refuse and a separate one for leaves, grass and shrubbery trimmings. The monthly fee rides on the electric bill, and nonpayment ends refuse service.
Decatur, AL Residential Garbage Collection Schedule
Some RestrictionsDecatur City Code § 19-19
(a)There is hereby established in the city a residential refuse collection, hauling and disposal service to be operated by the sanitation department or the city's contractor, or both, as the case may be. The collection, hauling and disposal of garbage shall be made by the sanitation department or the city's contractor not less than once each week in a residential area. The city shall provide on...
Recycling Rules
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, the recycling facility at the Decatur Morgan County Landfill charges nothing for recycling loads under 500 pounds and $26.00 per ton for loads of 500 pounds or more. The landfill director or a designee decides what recyclables are accepted, and loads can be rejected when processing is not possible.
Decatur, AL Recycling Processing Fee at the Landfill
Light RestrictionsDecatur City Code § 19-43
Recycling means any process by which materials are collected, separated, stored, recovered, or processed and reused or returned to use in the form of raw materials or products, but does not include the use of materials as a fuel, or for any use which constitutes disposal. ... (b)In order to recover a portion of the cost of operating the recycling facility at the Decatur Morgan County Landfill t...