Atlanta, GA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Collection
- Weekly single-stream curbside
- Container
- 96-gallon blue rollcart
- Accepted Materials
- Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, plastics #1-7
- Prohibited
- Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper
- Multi-Family
- Must provide recycling access (4+ units)
Summary
Atlanta provides single-stream recycling collection for residential properties. The city's recycling program accepts paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and plastics #1-7. Recycling is collected weekly alongside trash using separate city-provided rollcarts. The city encourages recycling through education campaigns and the Atlanta Recycles initiative.
Recycling Recyclables will be collected at the curb in containers provided by the City or other containers which are clearly marked recyclables and have a lid to secure the contents. For more information, visit the Recycling page. Collected once a week on the same day as garbage collection (collection day can be found on the SWS Operations Tool Place in blue cart curbside no later than 7 a.m. collection day Remove by 9 a.m. the day after collection day
Full Breakdown
Atlanta uses single-stream recycling, meaning all recyclable materials go in one bin without sorting. Accepted materials include newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flattened), office paper, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics #1 through #7. Materials must be clean and dry. Prohibited items include plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper, and hazardous materials. The city provides a 96-gallon blue rollcart for recycling. Multi-family properties with 4+ units must arrange private recycling services. The city partners with recycling processors to market collected materials. Composting is encouraged through the city's composting education program.
Violations & Fines
Contaminating recycling with non-recyclable materials may result in the bin being left uncollected with a contamination tag. Repeated contamination may lead to suspension of recycling service. While recycling is not mandatory for residents, multi-family properties must provide recycling access. Improper disposal of recyclable materials is encouraged but not penalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I recycle in Atlanta?
Is recycling mandatory in Atlanta?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Atlanta
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Recycling Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle recycling requirements.