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Chatham County, GA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing code
Chatham County §21-408
Participation
Encouraged, not mandated
Drop-off centers
County-run recycling sites
Accepted
Cardboard, cans, glass, plastics, oil
Commingling
Not allowed in containers

Summary

Chatham County Code §21-408 establishes a recycling program at county drop-off centers and encourages all residents, in both incorporated and unincorporated areas, to participate. Recycling is voluntary rather than mandated; residents must properly prepare and separate materials, and no commingling is allowed in drop-off containers.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Chatham County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

All residents living in incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County are encouraged to participate in any and all waste diversion/reduction or recycling opportunities available within the County.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Section 21-408 of the Code of Chatham County establishes a county recycling program: all residents in incorporated and unincorporated areas are encouraged to participate in waste-diversion and recycling opportunities, and the County phases recycling in at its drop-off centers. Common accepted materials include cardboard, magazines, steel and aluminum cans, glass and plastic food/beverage containers, waste oil, and textiles, with the specific list set by the Public Works Director. Residents must prepare materials (rinse containers, flatten cardboard, remove caps) and place each type in the correct container; commingling in county drop-off collection containers is not allowed (§21-406). Curbside recycling in the City of Savannah runs under the City's own program. Participation is encouraged, not mandated by county code.

Violations & Fines

Residents who fail to adequately prepare recyclables are responsible for disposing of them (§21-408); dumping outside designated drop-off areas or after hours is illegal dumping subject to county penalties (§21-406, §21-314).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling mandatory in Chatham County?
No. Section 21-408 encourages all residents to participate in the county recycling program at drop-off centers but does not mandate it; the City of Savannah runs its own curbside program.
Do I have to sort recyclables at county drop-off centers?
Yes. Materials must be separated by type and placed in the correct container; commingling in the county-provided drop-off collection containers is not allowed.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chatham County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsBulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: FireworksHeavy Restrictions

All Chatham County rules

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