Alpharetta, GA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- Once a week, private residences
- Service
- Mandatory for every occupant generating garbage
- Fee delinquency
- 20 days after billing statement mailed
- Unauthorized haulers
- Unlawful under Section 38-2(b)
- Enforcing body
- City of Alpharetta / contracted hauler
Summary
Alpharetta requires every occupant who generates garbage to use the city's collection service, either run directly by the city or through its contracted hauler, under section 38-2. Section 38-8 sets the minimum pickup frequency at once a week for private residences, with other places collected as often as the city or contractor orders.
... it shall be mandatory for all occupants or persons in possession, charge or control of places and premises in the city in or from which garbage is created, accumulated or produced to use the collection service provided for by the city or its contractor; provided, however, that there may be joint or multiple use of garbage containers by outside collection services, subject to securing a permit or contract therefor from the city council and pursuant to rules and regulations therefor as established by the council. ... Sec. 38-8. - Time of collection. Collection of garbage shall be made at least once a week from private residences, or as many times per week as the city or its contractor may order from all other places.
Full Breakdown
Section 38-2(a) of the Alpharetta Code of Ordinances makes garbage collection service mandatory for every occupant or person in possession, charge or control of a place where garbage is created, accumulated or produced; that person is liable for the collection fees the city council sets by resolution, whether the city runs the service itself or through an independent contractor under formal contract. Section 38-2(b) backs the mandate with a companion rule: it is unlawful for anyone other than the city's authorized contractor, or the city's own agents and employees, to collect, remove or dispose of garbage within the city, though in-sink garbage disposal devices under the plumbing code are exempt.
Section 38-8 then fixes the minimum pickup schedule: collection happens at least once a week from private residences, and as many times a week as the city or its contractor orders from every other type of place, such as commercial or industrial premises. The city council can also carve the city into collection districts under section 38-7 and set separate fees for each. Fees for the mandatory service run through section 38-16 by council resolution, become delinquent 20 days after the billing statement is mailed under section 38-17, and unpaid delinquent fees are collected the same way as delinquent property taxes, so a resident cannot opt out of the schedule simply by refusing to pay.
Violations & Fines
Using anyone other than the city's authorized contractor or the city's own employees to collect garbage is unlawful under section 38-2(b). Unpaid collection fees become delinquent 20 days after the bill is mailed under section 38-17 and are then collected the same way as delinquent property taxes, on top of any penalty rate the city council adopts by resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trash collection mandatory in Alpharetta or can I opt out?
How often does Alpharetta pick up garbage from houses?
Can I hire my own private garbage company instead of the city's contractor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alpharetta
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Collection Schedule in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle collection schedule.