Atlanta “City Dump” Guide: Where and How to Dispose of Waste in Atlanta, GA

If you’re searching for the Atlanta city dump, you’re most likely trying to figure out where you can take trash, bulky items, or construction debris yourself. In Atlanta, there isn’t one single “city dump” that everyone uses. Instead, there’s a mix of city facilities, county landfills, transfer stations, and private disposal sites.

This guide walks you through how dumping works in Atlanta, where you can go, what you can bring, and what to avoid.

How Garbage and Dumping Work in Atlanta

Before you load up a truck, it helps to understand how Atlanta organizes waste:

• Inside the City of Atlanta
  Residential household garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings are handled by City of Atlanta Department of Public Works – Solid Waste Services. Regular trash goes to disposal facilities, but you cannot drive to the city’s regular trash facility like a public dump.

• Fulton County / DeKalb County
  Atlanta is mostly in Fulton County, with part of the city in DeKalb County. Many residents use county landfills, transfer stations, or private facilities for extra trash, construction debris, or large cleanouts.

• Public drop-off vs. curbside collection
  For most everyday trash, the city expects you to use curbside collection. The “city dump” idea really applies only to a few public drop-off centers and landfills that accept self-haul loads.

Quick Comparison: Main Options Near Atlanta

City of Atlanta Options for Residents

If you live within Atlanta city limits and pay for city solid waste service, start with the city’s own programs.

City of Atlanta Solid Waste Services

Main office (administrative):
City of Atlanta Department of Public Works – Solid Waste Services
55 Trinity Ave SW
Atlanta, GA 30303

Customer service (general info & scheduling):
Call Atlanta 311 (dial 3-1-1 from inside city limits or 404-546-0311) for:

• Bulk item pickup (large items that won’t fit in the can)
• Missed pickups
• Cart repairs or replacements
• Questions about what is accepted at the curb

This is often easier and cheaper than trying to find a “city dump” for items the city will collect.

Bulky Item Pickup (Instead of Going to a Dump)

Atlanta offers scheduled bulky item collection for many large household items, such as:

• Furniture (couches, mattresses, tables)
• Large household items (non-construction)
• Certain appliances (depending on current rules)

Key tips:

• Schedule ahead via 311 – don’t just leave items on the curb.
• Ask what’s accepted; construction debris, huge loads, or hazardous items are usually not allowed.
• Place items curbside on the scheduled day to avoid code violations.

This is the city’s preferred alternative to residents trying to use a general dump.

Landfills and Transfer Stations Near Atlanta

If you have construction debris, a big cleanup, or more trash than the city will take at the curb, you’ll probably need a landfill or transfer station.

These facilities are often run by private companies or counties, not directly by the City of Atlanta, but they’re commonly used by Atlanta residents and contractors.

Common things these sites may accept:

• Construction & demolition debris (wood, drywall, roofing, flooring)
• Household junk from cleanouts (bagged trash, old furniture, non-hazardous items)
• Yard debris (leaves, limbs, stumps) at some locations

They generally do not accept:

• Wet household garbage in large quantities (varies by site)
• Hazardous waste (chemicals, gasoline, pesticides)
• Certain electronics, batteries, or tires (unless specified)

Because specific locations and policies can change, it’s smart to:

1. Call ahead to confirm what they accept that day.
2. Ask about fees (usually based on weight or load size).
3. Bring ID or proof of residency if it’s a county-run site with resident pricing.

Yard Waste, Leaves, and Tree Debris in Atlanta

Yard waste is a big reason people search for a “city dump,” especially after storms or yard projects.

Within the City of Atlanta

For city residents:

• Small yard trimmings

  • Place in approved bags or containers at the curb on your yard waste collection day.
  • Includes grass clippings, leaves, and small branches cut to size (the city sets maximum lengths and bundle sizes).

• Large limbs, tree removal, or storm debris

  • The city may limit what it collects.
  • For major tree work, residents often hire a tree service or hauler that takes debris to a mulch yard, compost facility, or landfill.

If you’re unsure whether your pile is too big for city collection, call Atlanta 311 and ask for yard waste guidelines.

What You CANNOT Take to a Regular Dump

Not everything can go to a “dump” or landfill. In metro Atlanta, these items are typically restricted or require special handling:

• Household hazardous waste

  • Paint thinners, solvents, pool chemicals
  • Pesticides, poisons, certain cleaners

• Automotive products

  • Motor oil, gas, antifreeze, brake fluid

• Large quantities of paint

  • Wet paint is usually not allowed; there are methods to dry it and dispose of it safely, or you may need special drop-offs.

• Electronics

  • TVs, computer monitors, laptops, and some other devices may be restricted at landfills.

• Tires

  • Most landfills will not let you toss loose tires into the general waste stream.

Atlanta-area residents often use special collection events, auto parts stores, or electronics recyclers for these materials. City and county websites typically list upcoming dates and drop-off locations.

Tips for Using an Atlanta-Area Landfill or Transfer Station

If you decide you do need to drive to a dump-like facility near Atlanta:

1. Sort your load

   • Keep construction debris, yard waste, and household junk separate if you can. Some facilities have different prices or areas for each.

2. Secure your load properly

   • Georgia law requires loads to be covered or secured (tarps, straps) so debris doesn’t blow onto roads.

3. Bring payment

   • Most sites charge by the ton or vehicle size.
   • Many accept cards, but some may prefer or require certain payment methods.

4. Arrive during posted hours

   • Landfills and transfer stations keep regular business hours, and some close early on weekends or holidays.

5. Bring identification

   • If it’s a county facility, proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill) may give you lower rates.

Atlanta Options for Special Materials

Electronics (E‑Waste)

In the Atlanta area, people typically handle electronics through:

• Electronics recycling events (sometimes hosted by the city, counties, or community groups)
• Established e‑waste recyclers that accept drop-offs for a fee or limited items free

These are better options than trying to put electronics in a landfill or on the curb.

Tires

Used tires usually go to:

• Tire shops (often charge a small fee per tire)
• Certain recycling or disposal facilities that accept bulk tires

Dumping tires illegally is taken very seriously in Atlanta and surrounding counties.

Large Quantities of Construction Debris

If you’re remodeling a house, tearing out a deck, or doing a big project:

• A roll‑off dumpster rental is common in Atlanta.
• The company delivers a dumpster, you fill it, and they haul it to the appropriate disposal site.

This avoids multiple trips to a landfill and keeps you in line with local dumping rules.

Illegal Dumping in Atlanta: What to Know

Leaving trash, furniture, construction debris, or tires on vacant lots, roadsides, alleys, or near dumpsters without permission is considered illegal dumping in Atlanta.

Consequences can include:

• Fines and code enforcement actions
• Cleanup fees
• Possible legal penalties for repeated offenses

If you see illegal dumping in the City of Atlanta, you can report it:

• Call Atlanta 311 or use the city’s service request system.
• Provide location details, type of debris, and any information that might help enforcement.

How to Decide Your Best Option

Use this quick guide to figure out what to do with your waste in Atlanta:

• Regular household trash from a city home
  ➜ Use your city garbage cart; if you have more than it can handle occasionally, ask 311 about options.

• One or two bulky items (mattress, couch, appliance)
  ➜ Call Atlanta 311 for bulky item pickup.

• Big home cleanout, garage clear-out, or move
  ➜ Consider a dumpster rental or self-haul to a nearby landfill/transfer station.

• Yard waste from normal weekly maintenance
  ➜ Use curbside yard waste service with proper bags/bundles.

• Large tree removal or storm debris
  ➜ Hire a hauler/tree service that includes disposal.

• Construction or demolition debris
  ➜ Use a C&D landfill or transfer station or roll‑off dumpster.

• Paint, chemicals, electronics, tires, batteries
  ➜ Look for special collection events or specialty recyclers; do not place in regular trash or dump illegally.

Knowing that Atlanta doesn’t have a single public “city dump,” but instead relies on curbside services, special pickups, and regional disposal sites, will help you choose the right path for your trash, debris, or bulky items—and avoid fines, frustration, and unnecessary trips.