Decatur, GA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Section 82-32(4) of the Decatur Code of Ordinances requires that yard trimmings, defined at Section 82-1 as leaves, grass clippings, vines, discarded Christmas trees and branches up to six inches in diameter, never be mixed with household garbage or trash. Owners and occupants must containerize trimmings in an approved refuse container or single-use yard trimmings container. Tree branches and heavy brush too large for a container have to be cut into pieces no longer than four feet and stacked in a compact pile at the curb, or at the property line where no curb exists, without extending into the street or blocking the sidewalk.

Sticks, hedge clippings and small brush must be gathered into bundles tied securely so no bundle exceeds four feet in length or 50 pounds in weight. Even prepared correctly, the city draws a hard line on size: Section 82-32(4) states the sanitation department will not collect logs and limbs over four feet long, more than six inches in diameter, or heavier than 50 pounds; those must be removed by the owner through a private hauler. Section 82-34(e) further requires yard trimmings, furniture and appliances to be placed at the curb as close to the next collection day as practical, and Section 82-2 puts the director of sanitation and city-appointed sanitation inspectors in charge of enforcement, including routine inspection of storage areas.