Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

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

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

Key Facts

Removal deadline
7:00 p.m. collection day
Storage location
Nearer house than street
Governing section
Code § 22-28(6)
Area
Unincorporated DeKalb only

Summary

In unincorporated DeKalb County, residents must move garbage carts off the curb into a storage spot closer to the house than the street by 7 p.m. on collection day.

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

It shall be the duty of the occupant to remove containers from the curbside location to the storage location, which storage location shall be nearer to the residential unit located on the premises than to any street abutting the premises; the removal shall be accomplished not later than 7:00 p.m. on the day the contents are emptied and collected.(7)Each owner shall prevent the continued, excessive and unsightly accumulation of refuse upon the property such person occupies or the public thoroughfares adjoining the property.(8)It shall be unlawful to place or cause to be placed in any refuse can or container for collection any acid, explosive material, inflammable liquid or dangerous or corrosive material of any kind.(9)Inoperative, privately used or worn out household appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers, discarded furniture) will be collected at the curb on an on-call basis to the department.(10)Commercial waste generated from the conduct of business or commercial enterprise carried on from residential units will not be collected except on a special fee basis. (Code 1976, § 6-3006; Ord. No. 04-11, Pt. I, 9-28-04)

Source: Municode LibraryView official code

Full Breakdown

Section 22-28(6) of the county code requires occupants to remove refuse containers from the curbside back to a storage location that sits nearer to the residential unit than to the abutting street, and to complete that removal no later than 7:00 p.m. on the day the contents are collected. The rule applies only in the unincorporated county; cities set their own can-storage rules.

Violations & Fines

Leaving containers at the curb past 7 p.m. or storing them closer to the street than the house violates section 22-28 and can draw a code enforcement citation under the county's general penalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I leave my trash cart at the curb in DeKalb County?
Until 7:00 p.m. on the day it's emptied, section 22-28(6) requires it back in storage by then, closer to your house than the street.
Where must I store my garbage cart between collections?
In a spot nearer to your residence than to the street abutting your property, per section 22-28(6).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

All DeKalb County rules

Compare DeKalb County to another location·View the Georgia trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Bin Placement Rules in DeKalb County, GA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.