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

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

Key Facts

Container type
Closed can, county-approved size
Placement
Location set by public works
Applies to
County garbage collection districts
Scope
Unincorporated Fulton County only

Summary

Owners in unincorporated Fulton County's garbage collection districts must use a closed can or container of the size and type the director of public works sets, placed exactly where the county directs.

City-specific rules exist: Roswell, and Atlanta have their own pickup rules & schedules rules that differ from Fulton County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

The owner of every lot or parcel embraced within the garbage districts herein created upon which is located any house, residence, building, apartment, tenement, or other structure served by the garbage collection and disposal facilities herein provided, shall: (1)Provide a closed garbage can or containers of such type and size as may be prescribed by the director of public works; (2)Cause to be placed therein all garbage and refuse from said property; and (3)Cause said containers to be placed and continuously maintained at such location on the property as directed by the director of public works.

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 57).

Full Breakdown

Fulton County Code § 70-31 requires the owner of every lot inside a county garbage collection district, established under § 70-66 for unincorporated Fulton County, to provide a closed garbage can or container of the type and size the director of public works prescribes, put all garbage and refuse into it, and keep the container placed and continuously maintained at the location on the property the director designates. This sits alongside the registered-hauler service standards of § 70-87, which set the weekly pickup schedule.

Violations & Fines

Failing to provide a compliant container or place it as the director directs is enforceable under Chapter 70's solid waste division, alongside dumping violations that draw fines up to $500 per day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this container rule apply to my Atlanta address?
No. Section 70-31 governs county-created garbage collection districts in unincorporated Fulton County; Atlanta and the county's other cities set their own container and placement rules.
Who decides where I put my garbage can?
The Fulton County director of public works sets the container type, size, and exact placement location on the property under § 70-31.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fulton County

All Fulton County rules

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

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Pickup Rules & Schedules in Cities Across Fulton County