Effingham County, GA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Cart-service threshold
- 100 lbs/week for county cart service
- Above threshold
- Independent private hauler required
- Relocation
- No moving dumpsters without board written consent
- Scavenging
- Barred around dumpsters without board consent
- First offense fine
- $100-$1,000, up to 30 days
Summary
Commercial and institutional generators of more than 100 pounds of waste weekly in unincorporated Effingham County cannot use the county's cart-based hauler; Sec. 66-37(b) requires them to arrange independent collection, while (i) and (j) bar anyone from relocating a dumpster or scavenging around one without written Board of Commissioners consent.
(b)Commercial units, non-profit and or philanthropic entities and places of worship, with not more than 100 pounds of waste per week shall subscribe for service using 90-gallon cart(s) for once weekly solid waste collection. ... Commercial units, nonprofit and or philanthropic entities and places of worship, that generate more than 100 pounds of waste per week shall secure solid waste collection services independently of any county-contracted collection service. ... (i)No person shall willfully damage or alter the location of any carts, containers, dumpsters or receptacles without the written consent of the board of commissioners.(j)No salvage or scavenging operations shall be conducted in or around carts, containers, dumpsters or receptacles except by written consent of the board of commissioners.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 66, Article II of the Effingham County Code splits commercial waste generators into two tiers. Businesses, nonprofits, philanthropic entities and places of worship producing 100 pounds or less of waste per week may subscribe to the same 90-gallon cart service used for residential units, following the identical 7:00 a.m. set-out and 8:00 p.m. removal window (Sec. 66-37(b)). Once weekly generation tops 100 pounds, the entity must secure its own solid waste collection service independent of the county's contracted hauler, meaning larger commercial dumpsters and roll-off containers are arranged privately.
Whatever the size of the container, Sec. 66-37(c) requires it be kept in as sanitary a condition as reasonably possible, and Sec. 66-37(i) makes it unlawful for anyone to willfully damage a dumpster or move its location without written consent from the Board of Commissioners. Sec. 66-37(j) separately bars salvage or scavenging in or around any cart, container, dumpster or receptacle without that same written board consent. These provisions sit alongside the county's broader ban on depositing waste in a receptacle without the property owner's authorization (Sec.
66-33(a)(4)). A violation is prosecuted in Effingham County Magistrate Court under Sec. 66-39, which imposes a fine of $100 to $1,000 or up to 30 days for a first offense, escalating to $750-$1,000 or up to 60 days for repeat violations, with each day counted separately.
Violations & Fines
A first offense under Sec. 66-37(b), (i) or (j), such as moving a dumpster without board consent or dodging the independent-service requirement above 100 pounds a week, carries a fine of $100 to $1,000 or up to 30 days in jail under Sec. 66-39(a)(1). Repeat offenses rise to $750-$1,000 or up to 60 days, and each day of noncompliance is a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my business use the county's garbage cart if we generate a lot of waste?
Can I move a commercial dumpster to a different spot on the property myself?
Is dumpster diving or scavenging legal in Effingham County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Effingham County
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