Fulton County, GA Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Fulton County Code § 70-84(b)(1) requires that all solid waste handling in unincorporated Fulton County be performed only by hauling contractors registered with the Fulton County Department of Public Works, unless a resident qualifies for the self-hauling exemption in section 70-85. Section 70-87(a)(1) sets the baseline: registered contractors must provide, at minimum, weekly curbside collection of solid waste to every residential customer. The same section requires biweekly curbside recycling and yard trimmings pickup, and lets contractors bill separately for bulky items such as appliances and furniture.

This division governs unincorporated Fulton County only (§ 70-84(a)(1)). Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Milton, Chattahoochee Hills and South Fulton run their own collection systems under their own municipal codes; a county-registered hauler's schedule has no bearing on those addresses.

Before operating, a hauling contractor must register annually with proof of a state EPD solid waste handling permit, a Fulton County Board of Health permit, $500,000.00 in comprehensive general liability and vehicle liability coverage, a $1,000,000.00 umbrella policy, and a $10,000.00 performance bond or irrevocable letter of credit (§ 70-86(b)). Residents who self-haul their own household waste to land or a business they own, or directly to a disposal facility, are exempt from the registered-hauler requirement under § 70-85(a). The county keeps a current list of registered contractors open for public inspection at the clerk of the board of commissioners and at the Department of Public Works (§ 70-87(c)).