An evaluation to determine the true cost of providing trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk collection services.  

DPW hired an independent firm that has deep municipal rate study expertise across North America and Europe, who are working directly with City staff to determine the true, full cost of solid waste collection services and to recommend fees that cover those costs fairly.

Solid waste services are essential to daily life in Atlanta. These services include:

• Garbage collection
• Recycling services
• Yard waste pickup
• Bulk item collection
• Backyard service options 

They also cover the equipment, staffing, fuel, and disposal systems required to deliver service citywide. 

Atlanta is experiencing increased costs to deliver services. At the same time, demand for reliable service continues to grow, and the City must modernize an aging sanitation fleet.

Raising Costs

• Higher prices for labor and fuel mean funding no longer covers service costs

Aging Equipment

• Trucks and equipment need replacement to keep service reliable

Need for a Sustainable Plan

• A rate study helps set fair, long-term funding for services

Acting now helps avoid larger, more sudden increases in the future and ensures continued service reliability. 

The rate study evaluates both costs and service improvements, including:

• Long-term fleet replacement planning
• Operational efficiency improvements
• Service enhancements
• Multifamily service restructuring
• Backyard collection operations
• Expanded service flexibility 

This is a modernization initiative, not just a pricing adjustment.

No final rate recommendations have been made.

Preliminary analysis under review suggests curbside collection adjustments could be approximately equivalent to approximately $1.15 per week for residents, if approved.

No final rate recommendations have been made. Initial analysis indicates that any potential updates to curbside service would be modest and aimed at improving reliability. 

The study is also evaluating:

• Maintaining affordability protections for qualifying seniors and disabled residents receiving discounted backyard service
• Potential reductions and expanded service frequency options for multifamily customers

Solid waste services in Atlanta include several service types. The study is evaluating potential updates across three categories: 

• Curbside Collection – Standard service for most households 
• Backyard Collection (Senior / Assisted Service) – Specialized service for qualifying residents 
• Multifamily & City Buildings Services – Higher-frequency services for multi-unit properties 

Curbside collection is the standard weekly service provided to most single-family households. 

The City is evaluating a phased adjustment to support: 

• Reliable collection services 
• Replacement of aging trucks and equipment 
• Consistent service as demand grows
  
  

Proposed Curbside Service Rate Adjustments (Under Review)

What this means for residents?

• Any potential changes would be modest and phased over time
• Estimated increases are approximately $1 to $1.25 per week, if approved 
• The goal is to maintain reliable, consistent service without sudden increases

Protecting Affordability

The City remains committed to affordability:

• Senior discounts remain in place
• Eligible seniors may receive a 30% fee reduction
• Protections continue for residents with disabilities