Atlanta, GA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection Frequency
- Weekly trash and recycling
- Container
- City-provided 96-gallon rollcart
- Set-Out Time
- By 7 AM or after 7 PM night before
- Eligible Properties
- 1–3 unit residential
- Bulk Items
- Schedule through Atlanta 311
Summary
Atlanta provides curbside trash and recycling collection for single-family and small multi-family residences (1–3 units) through the Department of Public Works. Collection occurs weekly on a designated day based on the property's zone. The city uses automated collection with 96-gallon rollcarts for trash and recycling.
Household/Garbage Household waste, also known as domestic waste or residential waste, is disposable materials generated by households. Collected once a week (collection day can be found on the Solid Waste Services page in the SWS Operations Tool . SWS provides residential properties with a 96-gallon roll cart for solid waste collection. Place in green cart(s) curbside no later than 7 a.m. on collection day. (Code of Ordinances: Sec 130-37 (6b) Remove cart(s) by 9 a.m. the day after collection day. Residents should use City-issued carts and are responsible for keeping their carts clean and odor free. If your roll cart is not serviced by 8p.m. on your regularly scheduled collection day, contact 3-1-1 to report the missed collection. Carts not set out in time for collection will not be collected until the following week.
Full Breakdown
Residential trash collection occurs once per week on the assigned collection day. Recycling is also collected weekly. Yard waste is collected separately on a designated schedule. Bins must be placed at the curb with lids closed by 7:00 AM on the collection day or set out after 7:00 PM the evening before. Items must be contained in the city-provided rollcart. Excess trash that does not fit in the cart may not be collected. Bulk items require separate scheduling through Atlanta 311. Multi-family properties with four or more units must contract with private haulers. The city does not collect commercial waste.
Violations & Fines
Placing trash out too early, leaving bins at the curb, or placing loose trash outside the rollcart may result in a code enforcement citation. Fines range from $50 to $200 per occurrence. Contaminated recycling bins (with non-recyclable materials) may be left uncollected with a tag explaining the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is my trash collection day in Atlanta?
What happens if my recycling has contamination?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
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