Managing your Atlanta garbage pickup schedule is much easier when you understand how the City sets routes, holidays, and special services. Whether you just moved into a neighborhood, changed apartments, or are trying to figure out when to roll your cart to the curb, this guide walks you through what to expect in Atlanta, Georgia.
In most of the City of Atlanta, residential garbage service is managed by:
City of Atlanta Department of Public Works – Solid Waste Services
55 Trinity Avenue SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Customer Service (ATL 311): 3-1-1 (inside city limits) or 404-546-0311
If you live inside Atlanta city limits, your trash pickup day is set by the City based on your address and route.
If you live in nearby areas like Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, College Park, or unincorporated Fulton/DeKalb, your garbage pickup is handled by those cities or the county, not the City of Atlanta.
Your garbage day depends on your exact address. The simplest ways to confirm:
When you call, be ready to provide:
Most single-family homes and small multifamily properties inside the city have one regular collection day per week for household garbage, with recycling and yard trimmings usually tied to that same day.
While the exact day varies by neighborhood, the pattern is generally:
Service type can vary by address (especially for multi-unit buildings), so confirm with ATL 311 or your property manager.
City of Atlanta garbage pickup may shift around major holidays. On some holidays, collection is suspended, and routes are pushed back by a day.
Common City-observed holidays that can affect trash pickup may include:
When collection is delayed:
Because specific holiday plans can change:
| Item | What to Expect in Atlanta (Generally) |
|---|---|
| Regular trash pickup | Once a week on a set weekday |
| Time of collection | Morning–afternoon (set carts out night before or by 7 a.m.) |
| Holiday week changes | Often moved one day later after the holiday |
| Recycling pickup | Commonly same day as trash (where available) |
| Yard trimmings | Often same day as trash (bagged or bundled, if provided) |
| Bulky items | By appointment or designated special pickup |
To avoid missed pickups in Atlanta, follow these basics:
Improper placement is one of the most common reasons for missed garbage pickups in Atlanta neighborhoods.
These usually cannot go in your regular City of Atlanta garbage cart:
For these items, Atlanta residents typically use special collection, private haulers, or county collection centers. If you’re unsure, ATL 311 can direct you to the correct option.
If you have something too big for your cart—like a couch, mattress, or large broken furniture—you’ll usually need a special or bulk pickup.
Common rules for bulk pickup in Atlanta:
To schedule:
If your trash was set out correctly and wasn’t collected on your scheduled day:
The City may send a truck back out within a set timeframe or collect everything on the next scheduled day, depending on the situation and workload.
If you live in:
…your garbage pickup might not be provided directly by the City of Atlanta, even if you’re inside city limits.
Instead:
To find your schedule:
Many single-family homes in Atlanta have yard trimmings collection along with regular garbage service.
Large piles or major tree work may require special pickup or a private service.
Because yard waste rules vary between neighborhoods and can change over time, verify current guidelines with ATL 311 or your neighborhood association.
Many Atlanta residents have both garbage and recycling carts:
Key points:
To keep your recycling collected on schedule, only place acceptable materials in your blue cart and keep lids closed.
If you recently:
You may need to:
Call ATL 311 and provide:
If you manage or stay in a short-term rental in Atlanta:
Proper use of the city’s cart and schedule helps avoid overflow, odors, and fines.
If you live or stay inside the City of Atlanta and have questions about your garbage pickup schedule, the most direct contacts are:
For those in surrounding cities or counties (e.g., Sandy Springs, East Point, Decatur, unincorporated Fulton/DeKalb), contact your local city hall or county sanitation department to get your specific garbage pickup schedule.
By using your address-specific pickup day, setting carts out properly, and knowing how holidays and bulk items work, you can stay on top of your Atlanta garbage pickup schedule and avoid missed collections or surprises at the curb.
