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

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

Key Facts

Savannah set-out
Curbside by 7 a.m.
Savannah removal
By 7 p.m. collection day
County removal
Within 24 hours (§21-308)
Receptacle type
Water-tight, rodent-proof
Applies to
Unincorporated county + Savannah

Summary

In the City of Savannah, residential refuse carts should be placed at curbside by 7 a.m. on collection day and removed by 7 p.m. In unincorporated Chatham County, §21-308 requires roadside receptacles to be removed within 24 hours after collection.

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.

Garbage or refuse placed on the side of the road, in a public right-of-way or at the front of any dwelling, structure or residence for collection... shall be in water-tight, air-tight and rodent-proof receptacles... Receptacles shall be removed... no later than 24 hours after collection of garbage or refuse.

Full Breakdown

City of Savannah sanitation instructs that residential refuse carts should be placed at curbside by 7 a.m. on the day of collection and removed from curbside after collection by 7 p.m. on collection day; carts should sit near the curb without blocking traffic, and only City carts are serviced. In unincorporated Chatham County, Code §21-308 governs bin placement: garbage or refuse set on the roadside, in a public right-of-way, or at the front of a dwelling for pickup must be in water-tight, air-tight, and rodent-proof receptacles, and those receptacles must be removed no later than 24 hours after collection. Pooler, Garden City, and Tybee Island follow their own municipal setout rules.

Violations & Fines

Leaving county receptacles out beyond 24 hours violates §21-308 (fine up to $500, up to 30 days, §21-309). In Savannah, leaving carts out past 7 p.m. can draw a sanitation code-compliance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I put my Savannah cart out?
The City directs residents to place refuse carts at curbside by 7 a.m. on the collection day and remove them from the curb by 7 p.m. that same day.
How long can bins stay out in the unincorporated county?
Section 21-308 requires roadside receptacles to be removed from the right-of-way no later than 24 hours after collection of garbage or refuse.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

All Chatham County rules

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