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Chatham County, GA Hurricane Preparedness: Storm Debris (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Sorting required
Yes, by debris type after any storm
Required categories
Yard, C&D, hazardous, putrescible waste
Curb placement rule
Out of right-of-way and easements
Extra category authority
Public Works Director may add types
Penalty
Up to $100 fine or 30 days jail
Governing section
Code of Chatham County Sec. 21-407

Summary

After a storm or disaster, unincorporated Chatham County residents must sort debris by type before it goes to the curb or a drop-off site: yard waste, construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste and putrescible trash all stay separate. Debris must sit out of the right-of-way and clear of utility lines and traffic devices.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chatham County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

In the event of storms or disaster recovery, residents living in the unincorporated area shall be required to separate all materials requiring collection and disposal. The separation(s) shall be by debris type, and shall include, but not be limited to the following: yard waste, vegetative materials, construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste, putrescible solid waste and "other materials" as may be determined by the Director of Public Works as necessary to facilitate recovery activities and ensure public health and safety.

Full Breakdown

Sec. " The section spells out the required categories: "yard waste, vegetative materials, construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste, putrescible solid waste and 'other materials' as may be determined by the Director of Public Works as necessary to facilitate recovery activities and ensure public health and safety" (Sec. 21-407(2)). That separation requirement applies whether the debris goes out for curbside collection or is dropped at a county drop-off center or staging area opened to the public (Sec. 21-407(3)). For curbside placement, Sec. 21-407(4) requires storm debris to sit at the curb, out of the right-of-way, with nothing placed in or around utility easements or fixtures such as electric, telephone or cable poles and pedestals, and nothing placed near traffic control devices or signage in a way that would slow emergency, vehicular or public safety response to the storm or disaster.

Violations & Fines

Sec. 21-407 falls under Article IV of Chapter 21, so violations are enforced through Sec. 21-411's penalty: a fine of $100.00 or confinement in the county jail for up to thirty (30) days, either or both, at the discretion of the judge of the Recorder's Court or Police Court of Chatham County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to sort my storm debris in Chatham County?
Yes. Sec. 21-407(1)-(2) requires unincorporated-area residents to separate all storm and disaster recovery materials by type, including yard waste, construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste and putrescible solid waste, whether the debris goes curbside or to a drop-off site.
Where can I place hurricane debris for pickup in Chatham County?
Sec. 21-407(4) requires debris to be placed at the curbside out of the right-of-way, and bars placing it in or around utility easements, poles, pedestals, or near traffic control devices and signage that could block emergency or public safety response.
Can the county add new debris categories after a hurricane?
Yes. Sec. 21-407(2) lets the Director of Public Works designate 'other materials' beyond the standard categories whenever necessary to facilitate recovery activities and protect public health and safety after a storm.
What is the penalty for not separating storm debris properly?
Sec. 21-411 applies the Article IV penalty: a $100.00 fine or up to 30 days in the county jail, either or both, at the discretion of the Recorder's Court or Police Court judge of Chatham County.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

All Chatham County rules

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