Cobb County, GA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Earliest set-out
- 6 p.m. evening before pickup
- Must be removed by
- 11 p.m. collection day
- Missed-pickup grace
- 9 p.m. third day after
- First offense
- warning only
Summary
Cobb County limits how long garbage carts can sit streetside: no earlier than 6 p.m. the evening before pickup, gone by 11 p.m. on collection day.
(a) A moveable garbage can, bag, box or other such container filled with garbage and municipal solid waste as defined in this section, excluding yard trimmings, shall not be placed or allowed at streetside prior to 6:00 p.m. on the evening prior to the scheduled day of collection; nor shall the container, can, bag, or box remain placed or allowed at streetside after 11:00 p.m. on the regularly scheduled day of collection subject to section (b).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 53).
Full Breakdown
In unincorporated Cobb County, a garbage can, bag, box or other container of municipal solid waste (not yard trimmings) can't be placed at streetside before 6:00 p.m. the evening before the scheduled collection day, and must be removed by 11:00 p.m. on collection day itself. If a hauler misses the scheduled pickup despite the resident's compliance, the container may stay out but must be gone by 9:00 p.m. on the third day after the missed collection. The rule covers household containers only, not equipment needing hydraulic pickup.
Violations & Fines
A first violation draws a warning from Community Development code enforcement; a second or later violation results in a citation issued to the resident occupying the address, per Sec. 102-18(d).
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my trash cart out in Cobb County?
What happens if I leave my cart out too long in Cobb County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cobb County
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