The Department of Public Works (DPW)
Welcome to Our Department of Public Works
Keeping Atlanta Clean, Safe, and Moving
The Department of Public Works (DPW) prioritizes the efficient collection of solid waste, including recycling, yard debris, and bulk items, to support a clean and sustainable city. We maintain and protect the public right-of-way and ensure City of Atlanta vehicles are service-ready through comprehensive fleet operations. Report a Service Issue - Visit ATL311.com
Cyril Turner, Commissioner
Cyril Turner is the Commissioner of the City of Atlanta's Department of Public Works, leading a workforce of nearly 700 dedicated women and men. In this role, he is responsible for delivering essential city services, including solid waste management, maintenance of public rights-of-way, and fleet operations. Turner focuses on achieving operational excellence, managing finances wisely, and enhancing performance through strategic management. His leadership style emphasizes data-driven decision-making, customer-oriented service delivery, and the development of strong partnerships across sectors to improve efficiency and foster public trust.
Before joining the City of Atlanta, Turner held senior executive roles at Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola Enterprises, where he oversaw complex operations, managed large capital portfolios, and directed multi-regional business units. He has also held leadership positions at The Coca-Cola Company, Frito-Lay, and Deloitte & Touche.
An active civic leader, he previously served as board chair of Leadership Atlanta and has been a member of the board of Junior Achievement of Georgia. Turner has supported various organizations, including the Georgia Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and Habitat for Humanity. He earned bachelor’s degrees from Morehouse College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School, and has completed executive studies at Harvard Business School and London Business School.
DPW’s mission is to enhance the quality of life by providing environmentally safe protection for the welfare of all citizens. DPW promotes livable, walkable, green, and sustainable communities, and supports economic development by adhering to policies, goals, and objectives aligned with the Mayor's Vision for the City of Atlanta.
To ensure environmental compliance, good working relationships, and high standards of professional management for the City of Atlanta. As an industry leader, DPW management and staff are committed to:
• Efficiently collect, recycle, and dispose of all solid waste through a process that is most beneficial for the environment
• Improve, protect, and maintain the public right-of-way
• Maintain all City of Atlanta vehicles and provide all departments with equipment vital to performing critical city services
• Provide prompt, valuable, and effective communications for all citizens’ inquiries and requests
• Innovation: We are driven by constant exploration for improvement in processes and policies.
• Integrity: We model ethical behavior in our everyday responsibilities.
• Teamwork: We work together to continuously improve the infrastructure of the City of Atlanta.
• Professionalism: We are experienced, proficient, and competent in our service to our citizens.