Do I have to subscribe to garbage service in Mississippi?

Yes. State law requires counties to provide collection and authorizes them to require all occupied dwellings to subscribe to and pay for the service, even if you take waste elsewhere.

What if I don't pay my garbage fee?

Unpaid garbage fees can become a lien on your property under Section 19-5-21, may be added to your property tax bill, and can result in additional penalties or service termination.

Who sets the collection schedule and rates?

While state law mandates that service be provided, individual counties and municipalities set the actual collection days, container requirements, and monthly rates within their jurisdiction.

Mississippi Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Key Facts

County duty: Miss. Code 19-5-17
Mandatory subscription: Statewide requirement
Fee collection: May be on tax bill
Lien authority: Section 19-5-21
Local discretion: Schedules and rates

Source: Justia Law

Full Breakdown

Under Miss. Code Ann. Sections 17-17-1 through 17-17-67 and Section 19-5-17, every county and city in Mississippi must arrange for solid waste collection and disposal serving all households. Counties may operate the service directly, contract with private haulers, or franchise exclusive service areas. Residents of the service area are required to subscribe and pay applicable fees, which counties may collect on the property tax bill. State law establishes baseline service availability, but local governments set the specific schedules, container types, and rates. Failure to pay collection fees may result in liens on real property under Section 19-5-21.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to subscribe to or pay for required solid waste collection can result in delinquent fees, civil penalties, property liens, and in some counties misdemeanor citations for accumulating waste.

Mississippi Mandatory Garbage Collection Service Law

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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