Georgetown, KY Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

Georgetown runs solid waste collection through a single exclusive franchisee. Section 40-24(a) says that, except through dumpsters or a special arrangement for hazardous waste disposal, all solid waste generated within the city shall be collected by that franchisee. Private persons can collect waste generated in the city only if it is collected in a dumpster, and dumpster collection is governed by the later sections of the article, including § 40-30.

Subscription is compulsory. Under § 40-24(b), each household is required to subscribe and is conclusively presumed to have subscribed to the city's collection service. Under § 40-24(c), every commercial operator or occupant who originates or accumulates garbage or trash is presumed to have subscribed as well, even if the operator hauls and disposes of its own garbage elsewhere. If refuse accumulates long enough to become a nuisance, the owner and occupant are each presumed to have authorized the city to remove it and are responsible for the city's reasonable charges, which shall be not less than the monthly charge on the current schedule.

Section 40-27 sets rates by reference to the franchise agreement with the exclusive franchisee, and a copy of that agreement and ordinance is available for public inspection in the city clerk's office. Billing is handled by Georgetown Municipal Water and Sewer Service under § 40-25. It prepares and mails statements on or before the first day of the month following the month of service, and the fee is due within 20 days of the billing. Unpaid amounts become delinquent, carry the same penalties as delinquent water and sewer fees, and after written notice can lead to disconnection of water service at the property until the account is made current.

Section 40-23 protects the franchise. While an exclusive franchise exists, it is unlawful for anyone other than the franchisee to enter the streets and public ways to collect and haul away garbage, trash, refuse and recyclable materials from businesses, homes and dwellings. The set-out window for carts is separate: § 40-28(4) allows containers at the street only after 6:00 p.m. on the day before collection and until 10:00 p.m. on collection day.