Solid Waste Collection
The Office of Solid Waste Services provides weekly curbside collection of household solid waste, also known as domestic waste or residential waste, is disposable materials generated by households.
Residents are required to use City-issued collection carts and follow established collection guidelines per City Code of Ordinances Sec 130-37 to help ensure safe, efficient, and reliable service. Residents are also responsible for maintaining their carts in a clean and sanitary condition.
Household Solid Waste/Garbage Collection
Quick Solid Waste Collection Guidelines
- Solid waste/garbage is collected once a week (find your collection day using the Solid Waste Services Collection Tool.
- Use only City-issued carts for household garbage collection.
- Place all waste inside the cart with the lid fully closed.
- Do not place hazardous materials, construction debris, or other prohibited items in garbage carts.
- Place cart at curbside no later than 7 a.m. on your collection day. Carts not placed at the curb by 7 a.m. may not be collected until the next scheduled service day.
- Remove cart(s) by 9 a.m. the day after collection day
- Carts not set out in time for collection will not be collected until the following week
View the Curbside Collection Tips graphic for proper preparation and placement of carts.
Missed Collections
Residents may report a missed garbage or recycling collection after 3:30 p.m. on their collection day by contacting ATL311 at www.atl311.com or 404-546-0311.
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Household hazardous wastes are any product labeled: toxic, poison, corrosive, flammable, combustible or irritant that is thrown into the household garbage can.
The City of Atlanta does not have a collection program for household hazardous waste. For alternative options, visit the City's recycling partner, CHaRM.
Whenever possible, find more environmentally benign products in place of commonly hazardous products. Using common products like baking soda, vinegar, lemons, salt, and olive oil work effectively to clean and protect.
- If you do have household hazardous wastes that you must dispose of, follow these suggestions for proper disposal:
- Do not place liquid paint in the cart. Add kitty litter or saw dust to liquid oil paints to solidify them before placing the cans – lid off- in the garbage. Latex paints are not considered hazardous, but they must be solidified before disposal so simply leave the lid off the can so the paint will dry. Dispose in the garbage – lid off. ONLY empty paint cans or cans with solidified paint can be put into the garbage container.
- Mix outdated or no longer needed pills with coffee grounds before disposing of them in the garbage (Do not dispose of in the toilet or down the drain). The coffee grounds make them unappealing to garbage snoopers, such as animals. Placing outdated or no longer needed pills in the garbage can also keep medications out of the water system.
- Triple wrap old pesticides and herbicides in plastic before putting them in the garbage.
- Open solvents or fuels in a well ventilated area away from children and pets so the chemical will evaporate. Once evaporated, triple wrap the empty container in plastic and place it in the garbage.
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