South Fulton, GA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Placement window
- No earlier than 72 hours before collection
- Clearance from fixtures
- At least 3 feet from hydrants, poles, meters
- Debris left after pickup
- Owner must remove within 3 days
- Admin fee for city removal
- $50.00 plus actual costs
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 6-2007.1 & 6-2007.2
Summary
South Fulton residents may set yard debris curbside up to 72 hours before pickup, placed behind the curb line and at least three feet from hydrants, poles, meters and mailboxes, under Sec. 6-2007.2.
All residents utilizing collections of yard debris shall place such items on their premises behind the curb line, located so as to be easily accessible to street pickup and shall be placed at least three feet from fixed items such as fire hydrants, telephone poles or electrical boxes, water meters, mailboxes or anything that could be damaged by equipment or personnel picking up said items.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 13 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 1 lets residential customers contract for yard waste collection through the city's designated provider or a licensed collector, and makes property owners responsible for removing any loose debris left behind after collection within three days; anything washed into a stormwater drain is treated as a violation. Sec. 2 requires yard debris to be placed behind the curb line, positioned so it is easily accessible for street pickup, and at least three feet from fixed items such as fire hydrants, telephone poles, electrical boxes, water meters, mailboxes, or anything equipment or personnel could damage while collecting.
Sec. 7(c) sets the timing window for all containers, including yard debris: allowable yard debris may be placed no earlier than 72 hours prior to collection, compared with 24 hours for regular trash, recycling and bulky items. Tree and landscaping service debris is handled separately: Sec. 3 requires anyone holding a tree service license, or cutting trees or vegetation for hire, to immediately remove all resulting debris, brush and limbs from the premises rather than leaving it for city yard-waste pickup, since that debris exceeds the definition of yard debris eligible for the monthly residential collection referenced in Sec. 2.
Violations & Fines
The solid waste chapter is enforced by city code enforcement officers, the city manager or designee, and police under Sec. 6-2011.7. Sec. 6-2011.12 sets a fine of not less than $200.00 and not more than $1,000.00 per offense for chapter violations, with each continuing day treated as a separate offense; if a property owner fails to remove nonconforming yard debris from a right-of-way within 48 hours of notice, Sec. 6-2011.8 lets the city order removal and bill actual costs plus a $50.00 administrative fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in South Fulton
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Yard Waste Collection in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Fulton County handle yard waste collection.