The Office of Solid Waste Services is responsible for the collection and disposal of solid waste within the City of Atlanta. Additionally, the office provides vacant lot clean-up, maintenance of various right-of-ways specified in the Atlanta City Code and dead animal removal and disposal. The office also oversees landfill operations; the City’s recycling program; enforcing codes related to lawn maintenance and the disposal of yard trimmings; and assists in citywide emergency operations.

Administration

The Administration Division is comprised of Education and Enforcement, Waste Reduction and Management Analysis. These units are responsible for code enforcement and compliance, maintaining contracts devoted to waste reduction, recycling and composting, route analysis, mapping, off-site plan review, budget preparation and developing educational publications and activities.

Operations

The Operations Division is responsible for household garbage, bulk rubbish and yard trimming collection. Operational divisions are organized by function in order to increase their efficiency in operations and service delivery.

Solid Waste Charges

Solid Waste & Right-of-Way Collections Schedule

Household garbage, recycling and yard trimmings are collected weekly on the scheduled collection day. For questions regarding pick up service, please contact the Customer Service Call Center, Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 8:00 pm, by dialing 311(Metro Atlanta area only), 404.546.0311 or visit ATL311.com.

Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission 

Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission is the public education and outreach component of Solid Waste Services. The Commission works to end littering, improve recycling and beautify communities. This office assists with community clean-ups and works closely with Code Enforcement.

Adopt a Spot/Street 

The program is a collaborative effort between the Department of Public Works and the community to encourage individuals, groups & organizations to adopt a public space for litter prevention and beautification. Available spaces include:

• Streets
• Traffic Islands
• Bus Stops
• Sidewalks
• Medians
• City Owned Lots 

For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact the Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission by calling 404.330.6240 or email kabc@atlantaga.gov.

Cartlanta Recycling Program

The City of Atlanta encourages you to reduce, recycle and reuse! Recycle your weekly waste collection right at the curbside or at Atlanta Recycle Day every 3rd Saturday, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon at the Mall West End located at 850 Oak Street, SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.

Clean It Up Atlanta Amnesty Day

Residents are encouraged to join the Departments of Public Works, Corrections and the Atlanta Police Code Enforcement and Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission for the Mayor's Neighborhood “Clean It Up” Campaign. This is a concentrated effort to host a citywide amnesty clean-up day monthly where residents will not be fined for trash/debris around their property. The clean-up will focus on cleaning up litter and debris in a different quadrant of the city each month. 

Neighborhood Clean-Up Guidelines/Dumpster Request

The Department of Public Works works with the community in helping to keep Atlanta clean and beautiful by assisting local residents with neighborhood clean-up projects in their area. 

Request for Fee Reduction/Tax Exemption

The senior citizen Exemption is administered by the Tax Assessor's office. Taxpayers age 65 and over with an annual income of $39,000 or less can receive a 30% exemption on their Solid Waste service fee. The $88.00 recycling exemption is offered by Public Works for persons (regardless of age) who make less than $8,000.00 annually.

Hardship cases are reviewed by Fulton County with regards to making payment arrangements - - but not reductions on the bill. Customers should contact the Fulton County Tax Commissioner's Office at 404.613.0656 to make such arrangements.