Brookhaven, GA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Section 22-18(5) puts the set-out duty on the occupant of any single residential unit, condominium or multiple residential unit not serviced by a commercial container. On assigned collection days, receptacles, watertight paper or plastic bags securely tied, rubbish and bundles go at a front curbside location in a way that does not obstruct passage. The residential superintendent can require placement on any side of a property for reasons of topography or efficiency. The refuse has to be at an appropriate curbside location before the sanitation truck arrives, but never before 5:00 p.m. on the day prior to collection day.

Timing carries risk at both ends. Refuse placed on the curb after the pickup crew has left is at the peril of the owner, who is subject to prosecution for violation of the chapter if the street becomes littered from it. Section 22-18(6) then requires the occupant to remove containers from the curbside location to the storage location no later than 7:00 p.m. on the day the contents are emptied and collected. That storage location must be nearer to the residential unit on the premises than to any street abutting the premises.

Container condition is regulated as well. Under § 22-18(1), garbage must be free from liquid and first placed in watertight plastic bags with the tops securely closed, then placed in an approved receptacle for residential solid waste. Section 22-1 defines that receptacle as a container approved by the collector and rules out oil or grease drums, paint cans and similar salvaged containers. Section 22-18(4) requires reusable receptacles to be kept clean and free of accumulated waste and treated with an effective insecticide if necessary to prevent nuisance. Section 22-18(8) bars acid, explosive material, inflammable liquid and dangerous or corrosive material of any kind from a refuse can. Section 22-18(7) adds a standing duty: each owner must prevent the continued, excessive and unsightly accumulation of refuse on the property occupied or on the public thoroughfares adjoining it.