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

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

Key Facts

Container size
15 to 35 gallons, metal or plastic, tightly covered
Rubbish bundle limit
50 lbs; limbs max 4 in. diameter, 4 ft. long
Placement window
Curbside only on the household's collection day
Scavenging
Prohibited except by owner or authorized collector

Summary

Spalding County requires garbage containers to be durable, tightly covered, rodent-proof and hold between 15 and 35 gallons, with rubbish bundles capped at 50 pounds. Code § 4-2003(d) limits curbside placement to the designated collection day, set at the curb or roadway edge in front of the property, and never allowed to block a gutter, street or alley.

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

(b)Containers.(1)Garbage containers shall be provided by the owner or occupant of each residence or establishment sufficient in number to accommodate such waste generated by the residence or establishment between collections. Containers shall be of durable metal or plastic, watertight, nonabsorbent, rust-resistant, rodent-proof, and easily cleanable. They shall be equipped with handles and tightly fitted covers and shall have a capacity of not less than fifteen (15) gallons nor more than thirty-five (35) gallons, except that bulk containers of a type accepted by the county as suitable for mechanical collection by publicly owned equipment used for such collection may be approved. ... (d)Placement. On days designated as collection days for the respective routes by the county, garbage and/or rubbish shall be placed for collection on the curb or beside the roadway in front of the residence or establishment owning same, or if the property abuts on an alley, at the rear of the property, but not in the gutter or in the street or alley in such manner as to interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

Full Breakdown

Section 4-2003(b)(1) requires garbage containers of durable metal or plastic that are watertight, nonabsorbent, rust-resistant, rodent-proof and easily cleanable, fitted with handles and tight covers, holding no less than 15 gallons nor more than 35 gallons unless the county approves a bulk container for mechanical collection; containers that spill waste or injure collectors must be promptly replaced. Sealed, unbroken disposable paper or plastic bags designed for solid waste may also be used (§ 4-2003(b)(2)). Rubbish may go in paper-board boxes or bundles, but bundles cannot exceed 50 pounds, and limbs or cuttings cannot exceed 4 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length, and must sit beside the regular containers (§ 4-2003(c)).

Section 4-2003(d) confines placement to the household's designated collection day, at the curb or beside the roadway in front of the property, or at the rear of the property for alley access, and bars placement in a gutter, street or alley in a way that interferes with traffic. Only the owner or an authorized collector may sift through or remove items from containers or bundles; scavenging by anyone else is barred (§ 4-2003(e)).

Violations & Fines

Containers that fail to meet the size, material or seal requirements, or that scatter waste or hamper collectors, must be replaced immediately. Placing garbage out before the designated day, or setting it in the street, gutter or alley so it blocks traffic, is a violation of the chapter. Scavenging containers without authorization is separately prohibited. Any violation carries a fine or imprisonment under Code § 1-1007, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size trash container do I need in Spalding County?
Code § 4-2003(b)(1) requires a durable, watertight, rodent-proof metal or plastic container with handles and a tight cover, holding no less than 15 gallons and no more than 35 gallons, unless the county approves a larger bulk container for mechanical pickup.
When can I put my garbage cart out at the curb?
Only on the day designated for your route. Code § 4-2003(d) requires containers set at the curb or roadway edge, or at the rear of the property for alley access, and never placed so they block the gutter, street or alley.
Can I bundle tree limbs for county pickup?
Yes, but § 4-2003(c) caps rubbish bundles at 50 pounds, and limbs or cuttings cannot exceed 4 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length; bundles must be placed beside the regular waste containers.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Spalding County

All Spalding County rules

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