Decatur, GA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Section 82-35 of the Decatur Code of Ordinances establishes the multiple dwelling recycling program, requiring properties with more than four units not serviced under the residential collection process to provide on-site recycling, with the property free to choose and negotiate pricing with its own private hauler. Section 82-36(a) sets the substantive floor: the property must recycle a minimum of four designated materials, though the owner isn't liable for tenants who simply fail to use a properly established system. Section 82-36(b) requires a written service agreement providing, at minimum, once-per-week on-site collection of recyclables.

Effective dates run on a two-track system under Section 82-36(c): existing multiple dwelling properties came under the mandate January 1, 2009, or when their existing refuse contract ended, whichever came later, while new construction has six months from its first certificate of occupancy to comply. Section 82-36(g) lists qualifying materials, including steel and aluminum cans, glass bottles of any color, newspapers, magazines, cardboard, junk mail, milk jugs, and PET/No. 1 and HDPE plastic containers, with substitutions considered case-by-case by the city manager. Containers must be labeled in English (and other languages where appropriate) with the word 'recycling' or the chasing-arrows symbol under Section 82-36(h).