Trash & Recycling in Fulton County, GA (2026)
7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Fulton County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
Owners in unincorporated Fulton County's garbage collection districts must use a closed can or container of the size and type the director of public works sets, placed exactly where the county directs.
Fulton County Garbage Container Rules
Some RestrictionsFulton County Code § 70-31
The owner of every lot or parcel embraced within the garbage districts herein created upon which is located any house, residence, building, apartment, tenement, or other structure served by the garbage collection and disposal facilities herein provided, shall: (1)Provide a closed garbage can or containers of such type and size as may be prescribed by the director of public works; (2)Cause to be...
Bulk Item Disposal
Registered haulers in unincorporated Fulton County collect worn-out appliances and discarded furniture at curbside on an as-needed basis, but only for a fee agreed between hauler and customer.
Fulton County Bulk Item Pickup Rules
Some RestrictionsFulton County Code § 70-87(a)(3)
Inoperative, privately used, worn out household appliances (e.g., refrigerators, stoves, air conditioning units, washing machines, dryers) and discarded furniture shall be collected at the curbside as needed by the registered contractor, at an agreed-upon fee between the registered contractor and the customer.(4)Nothing in this division is intended to prohibit the registered contractor from off...
Recycling Requirements
Registered haulers serving unincorporated Fulton County must provide curbside recycling collection, including a container, at least every other week under Fulton County Code § 70-87(a)(2). The county encourages incentive-based pricing to boost participation. Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton, Chattahoochee Hills and South Fulton residents use their own city's recycling program instead of this county ordinance.
Fulton County Curbside Recycling Requirement
Some RestrictionsFulton County Code § 70-87(a)(2)
(2) At least once every other week curbside recycling, including container, and yard trimmings collection. ... (6) Registered contractors are encouraged to offer incentive-based pricing in order to increase participation in curbside recycling.
Illegal Dumping
Dumping solid waste on public rights-of-way, parks, or facilities in unincorporated Fulton County violates the solid waste code and can draw a $500 fine for every day the violation continues.
Fulton County Illegal Dumping Penalties
Heavy RestrictionsFulton County Code §§ 70-84(a)(6), 70-89(a)
It shall be a violation of this division to dispose of any solid waste by illegal dumping on public rights-of-way, public parks or any public facilities in unincorporated Fulton County. ... Any person violating any provision of this division may be fined up to $500.00 per violation after a hearing in the Fulton County Environmental Court or Magistrate Court. Each day a violation continues shall...
Yard Waste Collection
Unincorporated Fulton County haulers must collect yard trimmings curbside at least every other week, but Fulton County Code § 70-87(a)(2) bars mixing them with trash or bagging them in plastic for pickup. Landfilling yard trimmings is prohibited outright; material must be chipped, mulched, composted or otherwise recycled, and residents get a free monthly drop-off option under § 70-32.
Fulton County Yard Trimmings Collection Rules
Some RestrictionsFulton County Code § 70-87(a)(2)a–e
(2) At least once every other week curbside recycling, including container, and yard trimmings collection. Handling of yard trimmings in unincorporated Fulton County shall be carried out in accordance with the following restrictions: a. Yard trimmings shall not be placed in or mixed with solid waste. b. Yard trimmings shall not be disposed of in solid waste disposal facilities that have liners ...
Dumpster Rules
Every lot in unincorporated Fulton County improved with anything other than a single-family home must show its refuse area on the site plan and screen it to 100 percent opacity under Zoning Resolution § 4.6. The containers inside cannot be visible from streets or adjoining properties.
Fulton County Commercial Refuse Area Rules
Some RestrictionsFulton County Zoning Resolution § 4.6
Refuse areas shall be identified on site plans for lots improved with structures other than single family dwellings, and such areas shall be screened to 100 percent opacity with fences or walls, or a vegetative screen which complies with the screening requirements of the Tree Protection Ordinance [See Code ch. 26, art. VI]. The refuse containers located therein shall not be visible from streets...
Collection Schedule
In unincorporated Fulton County, registered haulers must provide weekly curbside collection of household solid waste under County Code § 70-87(a)(1). Only contractors registered with the Department of Public Works may operate there. Residents of Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton, Chattahoochee Hills and South Fulton follow their own city's collection rules instead, not this county ordinance.
Fulton County Weekly Curbside Trash Collection Rule
Some RestrictionsFulton County Code §§ 70-84(b)(1), 70-87(a)(1)
(1) Solid waste handling within unincorporated Fulton County shall be conducted only by hauling contractors duly registered with the Fulton County Department of Public Works, unless otherwise exempt by section 70-85. ... (a) Residential services. All registered contractors for solid waste handling shall provide the minimum following services: (1) Weekly curbside collection of solid waste.
Trash & Recycling by City in Fulton County
3 cities in Fulton County have their own trash & recycling rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Fulton County ordinances
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