Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Atlanta

Atlanta, GA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Recyclables
Must be loose, never bagged
Enforcement
Random "tag" inspections by route
Penalty
3rd tag triggers fee (Sec. 130-84)
Curb window
7 p.m. night before to 9 a.m. after
Extra recycling
Capped at 32 gal / 35 lb

Summary

Atlanta requires recyclables to go loose into city-issued bins, never bagged, and randomly inspects routes for contamination: a bin tagged three times for food, diapers or household trash triggers a service fee under Sec. 130-84.

Recyclable materials shall be placed only in containers designated for recycling loose and not bagged. Inspectors will be looking inside the recyclable material containers for contaminates that will limit the ability to market recyclables, such as food, diapers, and household trash, that are not acceptable inside the container...After a container has been "tagged" three times, the property owner will be charged the rates as set forth in section 130-84, Taxes, Assessments, Service Fees and Charges.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Under Sec. 130-37 of the Atlanta Code, single-family recyclables must go loose in the city-supplied container, no plastic bags, while garbage stays bagged in its own bin. The Department of Public Works runs a random-route 'tag' inspection program: bins holding food, diapers or household trash are left uncollected and marked with a tag. A third tag triggers the container-contamination fee set under Sec. 130-84. Containers may sit at the curb between the sidewalk and street only from 7:00 p.m. the evening before collection to 9:00 a.m. the morning after; extra loose recyclables are capped at 32 gallons or 35 pounds, laid out no wider than 4 feet.

Violations & Fines

A tagged bin is left uncollected until the contaminants are removed; a third tag brings the recycling-container fee under Sec. 130-84, and repeated overfilling adds an extra annual bin charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put recyclables in a plastic bag in Atlanta?
No. Sec. 130-37 requires recyclable materials to be placed loose in the designated container: garbage gets bagged, recycling does not.
What happens if my recycling bin has food or trash in it?
Public Works inspectors tag contaminated bins on random routes and skip collection. A property gets three tags before the city assesses a container-contamination fee under Sec. 130-84.
When can I put my recycling bin at the curb in Atlanta?
Not before 7:00 p.m. the night before your collection day, and it must be off the curb by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Atlanta

Bulk Item DisposalSome RestrictionsDumpster RulesSignificant RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome Restrictions

All Atlanta rules

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

Get notified when Recycling Rules in Atlanta, GA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.