Chatham County, GA Trash & Recycling: Bulk Item Disposal (2026)
Key Facts
- Pickup truck
- Unloads without charge (§21-316)
- Residential dry trash
- No direct charge (§21-318)
- Bulky items defined
- §21-402 (furniture, appliances)
- Commercial haulers
- Pay landfill tipping fees
- Savannah bulk
- Scheduled; off-schedule fees apply
Summary
Chatham County residents can self-haul bulky items and dry trash to county disposal sites; under Code §21-316 a non-commercial pickup truck may unload without charge, and §21-318 lets residents dump residential dry trash without a direct charge. The City of Savannah collects bulk items on schedule.
The purpose of this Ordinance shall be to provide for a charge for dumpings made at the County landfill by commercial operators and municipalities. A non-commercial pickup truck may unload without charge.
Full Breakdown
The Code of Chatham County (§21-315 to §21-318) sets landfill dumping charges. Section 21-316 provides that a non-commercial pickup truck (a 3/4-ton single-rear-wheel body) may unload without charge, and §21-318 states residents may continue to dump residential dry trash without a direct charge, while commercial operators and municipalities pay tipping fees. 'Bulky items' are defined in §21-402 as household furniture, appliances (white and brown goods), and similar items too large for a garbage can. The City of Savannah collects residential bulk items on a schedule, charging fees when bulk is set out off-schedule. Commercial and out-of-hours dumping at drop-off centers is treated as illegal dumping (§21-406).
Violations & Fines
Disposing outside designated areas or during non-operating hours is illegal dumping under §21-406, subject to the county's penalties (up to $500, up to 30 days). Off-schedule bulk set-out draws Savannah sanitation fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take bulky items to the county landfill for free?
How do I dispose of large furniture in Savannah?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
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