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 rights-of-way 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 collection and bulk rubbish and yard trimming collection. Operational divisions are organized by function in order to increase their efficiency in operations and service delivery.

Click here to for Solid Waste Charges.

Adopt a Spot/Street

The City of Atlanta Department of Public Works (DPW) needs volunteers to lend a hand in keeping public spaces clean. Any portion of the City’s public right-of-way, is eligible for adoption including streets, traffic islands, medians, city owned lots, and MARTA stops, if available. Volunteers are required to agree to maintain the adopted space for up to one year and complete DPW Safety Training. Adopted spaces may be renewed upon request. DPW reserves the right to approve or disapprove a location.

Cartlanta Recycling Program

The City of Atlanta encourages you to reduce, recycle and reuse! Recycle with us at the curbside with your weekly waste collection and 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.

Learn about our citywide recycling program for single family homes by visiting www.cartlanta.org.

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. Click here to learn more.

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, 8:15 am - 5:00 pm at 311 or visit atl311.com.

Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission

Keep Atlanta Beautiful is the public education and outreach component of Solid Waste Services.  This office assists with community clean-ups and works closely with Code Enforcement. For more information please visit atl311.com.

Neighborhood Clean-Up Guidelines/Dumpster Request

The Department of Public Works appreciates your time and resources in helping to keep Atlanta clean and beautiful. We would be happy to assist with your neighborhood clean-up project. We do ask that you adhere to certain guidelines for your event.  Please download a copy of the Clean-Up Guidelines.  A Dumpster Request Application is required if you would like to have us deliver a dumpster to your location.

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 404.613.0656404.613.0656 to make such arrangements.