Office of Solid Waste Services
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.
FY2010 Solid Waste Collection Schedule
Effective Monday, September 14, 2009 household garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings are collected weekly on the scheduled collection day.
TO REPORT A MISSED PICKUP please contact the Customer Service Call Center. The Customer Service Call Center can be reached Monday - Friday, 8:15 am - 5:00 pm at (404) 330-6333 or via email to publicworks@atlantaga.gov. After hours emergency calls may be placed to (404) 658-7862.
Backyard Pick Up Service
All persons having physical limitations which prevent placement of garbage receptacles at the curb are entitled to receive backyard collection services without charge, provided the following requirements are met:
(A) Age only criteria.
Any residence where there are no persons between the ages of 12 and 70 capable of placing garbage at the curbside.
(B) Physical Condition criteria.
Each person between the ages of 12 and 70 at a residence not capable of placing garbage at the curbside must present a certificate from a physician licensed to practice medicine by the State stating that such person is physically incapable of placing garbage at the curbside. (See City of Atlanta Ordinance, Chapter 130: Solid Waste Management, Sec.130-37(c)(3)).
If you are receiving backyard garbage collection service and fail to meet the criteria listed above then you must submit a payment of $962.21 per year to cover the cost of this service. This entitles you to receive backyard garbage collection from January 2nd through December 30th. (See City of Atlanta Ordinance, Chapter 130: Solid Waste Management, Sec. 130-84(4) and Sec. 130- 37(c)(2)).
Additionally, each year, all persons receiving backyard garbage collection service must be recertified as to the physical condition preventing the placement of garbage at the curbside. (See City of Atlanta Ordinance, Chapter 130: Solid Waste Management, Sec.130-37(c)(5)).
Please contact the Department of Public Works Customer Service Division at (404) 330 – 6333 if you would like to apply or have additional questions.
Requests 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 $30.00 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.
Curbside Scheduling & Services
Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Neighborhood Clean Up Guidelines
Recycling Program
Solid Waste Billing
Solid Waste Service Charges - Frequently Asked Questions
Solid Waste Services Initiative - Curbing Waste