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Columbia County, GA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

County Curbside
None provided
Who Provides
Private licensed haulers
Grovetown/Harlem
Own city collection
Collection Day
Set by your hauler

Summary

Columbia County runs no county-wide curbside garbage service. Unincorporated residents in Evans, Martinez, and the rural areas must contract a licensed private hauler or self-haul. The cities of Grovetown and Harlem run their own city collection.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Columbia County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Any person who owns, uses or occupies any land or building in the unincorporated areas of the county shall be responsible for contracting with a properly licensed commercial hauler, or otherwise providing for the collection of such waste and litter, and disposal of such waste and litter at a properly permitted and licensed solid waste disposal facility, on a regular and frequent basis.

Source: Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.)View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 54).

Full Breakdown

Despite being an affluent Augusta-metro suburb, Columbia County does not operate or contract a single county curbside garbage program. County code puts the duty on each property owner to arrange collection with a properly licensed commercial hauler, such as Waste Management or a local firm, or to haul waste to a permitted disposal facility themselves. There is no assigned county pickup day; your day depends on the hauler you sign up with. Residents inside Grovetown and Harlem receive collection through their own city sanitation, not the county. Most Evans and Martinez subdivisions are HOA-governed and may steer residents to a preferred hauler.

Violations & Fines

Letting waste accumulate on your property without arranging regular collection is unlawful and a misdemeanor, with each day a separate offense. Illegal dumping is prosecuted separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Columbia County pick up my trash?
No. The county runs no curbside service. Unincorporated residents in Evans and Martinez must contract a licensed private hauler or self-haul to a permitted facility.
What if I live in Grovetown or Harlem?
Those cities run their own garbage collection separate from the county. Contact your city hall for your schedule and cart rules.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Columbia County

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Mandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome Restrictions

All Columbia County rules

Compare Columbia County to another location·View the Georgia trash & recycling overview

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