Atlanta Trash Pickup Schedule, Recycling & Bulk Collection 2026

Find your garbage, recycling, yard trimmings, and bulk collection schedule in Atlanta, GA — all on this page.

City of Atlanta · Department of Public Works · Office of Solid Waste Services (SWS) · Updated March 2026

⭐ Collection Day Finder

Find Your Atlanta Collection Day

Select your collection day to instantly see your full weekly schedule — garbage, recycling, yard trimmings, bulk pickup, and holiday impact.

👈 Select your day above to see your complete Atlanta collection schedule.

⚠ Don’t know your day yet? Use the SWS Collection Tool at atl311.com or call 311 (404-546-0311 outside city).  Can’t find your day? See all contact options ↓

At a Glance

Atlanta Waste Collection — Quick Facts

The City of Atlanta Office of Solid Waste Services (SWS) handles residential collection for approximately 96,000 single-family homes within city limits. All services run on a once-weekly schedule on the same day. Your exact day and yard trimmings weeks depend on your address.

🗑
Garbage
Once a week
96-gal cart, by address
♻
Recycling
Once a week
Same day as garbage
🌿
Yard Trimmings
Every other week
Paper bags or labeled bin
📦
Bulk Pickup
12 free/year
Must schedule via ATL311
⚠
HHW / E-Waste
CHaRM drop-off
By appointment
⚠ City of Atlanta ≠ Fulton County or DeKalb County. Sandy Springs, Decatur, College Park, Brookhaven, and unincorporated Fulton or DeKalb County areas have separate waste providers. Call ATL311 at 311 (404-546-0311 outside city) to confirm your address is within city limits and receives SWS service.
🔗 Related Guide Want to understand how US trash collection works? Read: How Trash Collection Works in the US (Schedules, Times & Rules)
Holiday Schedule

Atlanta Holiday Trash Collection Schedule 2026

Atlanta uses a one-day delay system: when a City-observed holiday falls on a weekday, collection for that day and all subsequent days that week shifts one day later. New Year’s Day 2026 (Thu, Jan 1) was officially confirmed to follow this pattern, with Thursday routes moving to Friday and Friday routes moving to Saturday.

Three holidays do not affect collection: Presidents’ Day, Veterans’ Day, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Check the official SWS Holiday Schedule before each major holiday.

Holiday2026 DateImpactWhat Happens
New Year’s DayThu, Jan 11-Day DelayThu → Fri  |  Fri → Sat  |  Mon–Wed: normal. Officially confirmed by City.
MLK DayMon, Jan 19Full Week DelayAll routes Mon–Fri shift one day later that week.
Presidents’ DayMon, Feb 16NormalSWS works. No delay.
Memorial DayMon, May 25Full Week DelayAll routes Mon–Fri shift one day later that week.
JuneteenthFri, Jun 191-Day DelayFri → Sat  |  Mon–Thu: normal.
Independence DaySat, Jul 4NormalFalls on Saturday — no weekday impact.
Labor DayMon, Sep 7Full Week DelayAll routes Mon–Fri shift one day later that week.
Indigenous Peoples’ DayMon, Oct 12NormalSWS works. No delay.
Veterans’ DayWed, Nov 11NormalSWS works. No delay.
Thanksgiving DayThu, Nov 261-Day DelayThu → Fri  |  Fri → Sat  |  Mon–Wed: normal.
Christmas DayFri, Dec 251-Day DelayFri → Sat  |  Mon–Thu: normal that week.
✉ Winter weather (January 26, 2026): SWS suspended all collections on Monday, January 26, 2026 due to hazardous winter weather. Residents with bulk collections that week received rescheduling notifications. During winter weather events, do not place carts at the curb until SWS announces it is safe to resume. Follow updates at atlantaga.gov/solidwaste and the ATL311 app.
🔗 Related Guide Holiday delays explained across all major US cities: Holiday Trash Pickup in the US (Schedule Changes & Delays Explained)
Recycling

Atlanta Recycling — What’s Accepted & What’s Not

Atlanta uses single-stream weekly recycling in the blue 96-gallon cart, collected on the same day as your garbage. Items must be empty, clean, dry, and placed loose — never in plastic bags. Place the cart at the curb by 7:00 a.m. and remove it no later than 9:00 a.m. the following day.

✅ Accepted in the Blue Recycling Cart

  • Paper: newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, phone books
  • Cardboard — dry, flattened, broken down to fit
  • Cartons and juice boxes
  • Aluminum and steel (tin) cans
  • Glass bottles and jars — remove lids first
  • Hard plastic containers #1–5 & #7 — remove lids
  • Clamshell plastic containers (cleaned)
  • Soft and hardback books, wrapping paper

🚫 Never in the Blue Cart

  • Plastic bags — return to grocery store drop-off
  • Polystyrene / foam of any kind
  • Food, liquids, or food-soiled containers
  • Electronics, cords, wires, chains
  • Clothing, shoes, or textiles
  • Plastic hoses, pipes, or furniture
  • Wood or building materials
  • Biohazardous waste
💡 Atlanta’s Waste Wizard: Not sure where a specific item goes? Atlanta offers a free Waste Wizard search tool at atlantaga.gov — type in any item and find the correct disposal method instantly.

⚡ CHaRM — Center for Hard to Recycle Materials

Atlanta operates the CHaRM at 1110 Hills Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 (by appointment only). CHaRM accepts electronics, styrofoam, latex paint, paper shredding, and household hazardous waste. Book at atlantaga.gov/recycling. Atlanta Recycles Day events are also held periodically at community locations for additional drop-off options.

🔗 Related Guide Learn the most common recycling mistakes and how to sort correctly: How to Recycle Properly in the US (Rules, Bins & Common Mistakes)
Yard Trimmings

Atlanta Yard Trimmings Collection

Yard trimmings are collected every other week on your regular collection day. Your specific yard trimming weeks are confirmed in the SWS Collection Tool at atl311.com. Up to 20 paper bags per collection are accepted at the curb.

🌿 Accepted Yard Trimmings

Leaves, grass clippings, brush, shrub trimmings, tree branches (max 4 feet long, 4 inches in diameter), tree roots, discarded Christmas trees, and nursery vegetative material.

📤 Container Requirements

  • Use paper bags specifically manufactured for yard trimmings disposal — no plastic bags accepted.
  • Bags must not exceed 35 pounds when full.
  • Reusable containers are allowed (max 32 gallons) and must be visibly labeled “YARD TRIMMINGS” on all four sides.
  • Branches: must be tied in bundles, max 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter.
  • Over 20 bags of yard trimmings is considered bulk rubbish and requires a separate scheduled bulk collection via ATL311.
💡 Keep yard trimmings separate. Place yard trimmings at least 6 feet away from your regular garbage and recycling carts, and from any bulk items. Items placed too close together may result in one or both being delayed.
🔗 Related Guide Yard waste rules vary by state and city across the US: Yard Waste Pickup Rules in the US (What’s Allowed & What’s Not)
Bulk Pickup

Atlanta Bulk Pickup — 12 Free Collections Per Year

The City of Atlanta provides 12 free scheduled bulk pickup collections per year per single-family home. As of February 16, 2026, bulk collections are now scheduled on your regular weekly collection day (previously a separate day). You still must schedule each pickup individually — bulk is never automatic.

If you exceed 12 collections in a calendar year, each additional pickup is charged at $343.10.

📅 How to Schedule Bulk Pickup

  1. Go to atl311.com or call 311 (404-546-0311 outside city). Submit a bulk collection request at least one business day before your desired date.
  2. Wait for a confirmation. Do not place items at the curb before 7:00 p.m. the evening before your confirmed collection day. A citation may be issued for early set-out.
  3. Place items in the right-of-way (curb) in front of your property. Keep bulk items at least 6 feet away from garbage and recycling carts, and from yard trimmings.
  4. Items must not be blocked by mailboxes, cars, overhanging tree branches, or power lines.
  5. To cancel, do so by 3:00 p.m. the day before the scheduled collection. Only bulk collections canceled in time are not counted against your 12-per-year limit.

✅ Accepted Bulk Items

  • Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables, dressers)
  • Mattresses and box springs
  • Large appliances (fridge, washer, dryer)
  • TVs and large electronics
  • Rugs and carpeting (rolled)
  • Tree branches (max 4 ft, 4 in diameter)
  • Tree stumps (max 4 ft length)
  • 21+ yard trimming bags (schedule as bulk)

🚫 Not Accepted in Bulk

  • Tires of any kind
  • Automobile parts
  • Construction or demolition debris
  • Building materials (lumber, drywall, tile)
  • Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals)
  • Medical waste
  • Items in closed garbage bags — separate them
⚠ Citation risk: Placing bulk items at the curb before 7:00 p.m. the evening before your confirmed pickup can result in a City citation. Items must be in the right-of-way, not blocking mailboxes, cars, overhanging tree branches, or power lines.
🔗 Related Guide How bulk trash pickup works across the US, city by city: Bulk Trash Pickup in the US (Rules, Scheduling & What’s Accepted)
Missed Pickup

What to Do If Your Trash Wasn’t Picked Up in Atlanta

  1. Confirm your correct collection day. Use the Collection Day Finder above or the SWS Collection Tool at atl311.com. Wrong-day assumptions are the #1 cause of perceived missed pickups.
  2. Check for a holiday or weather delay. Atlanta observes 7 holidays with delays. Also check for SWS weather suspension announcements at atlantaga.gov — collections were suspended on January 26, 2026 due to winter weather.
  3. Verify cart placement: out by 7:00 a.m., at least 6 feet from bulk items, accessible to the truck, lid closeable.
  4. Report within 24 hours for bulk missed pickups. For garbage and recycling, report as soon as possible through ATL311 at atl311.com or by calling 311.
  5. Download the ATL311 app (iOS and Android) to track your report, receive updates, and get notified when it’s resolved.
Damaged or missing cart? Submit a cart replacement request through ATL311 online or by calling 311. Place the damaged cart at the curb on your next collection day — a crew will inspect and replace it.
Local Tips

Atlanta Trash & Recycling Tips Every Resident Should Know

🏠 New to Atlanta or Just Moved In?

Use the SWS Collection Tool at atl311.com or the Atlanta Solid Waste Services app (iOS and Android) to find your garbage day, recycling day, and yard trimmings weeks. Both carts should already be at your new address. If missing, call 311. Look up your 12 bulk pickup slots and plan them — they reset each January 1.

⛄️ Fall Leaf Season (October–November)

Atlanta’s abundant trees generate heavy yard trimming volumes in fall. During peak leaf season, collection can run behind schedule. Set yard trimmings out early on your pickup day in properly labeled paper bags. If you have more than 20 bags, schedule a bulk pickup via ATL311 in advance rather than setting them all out and risking a skip.

⛨️ Backyard Service for Seniors

The City of Atlanta provides backyard service for residents aged 70 or older who live alone and are physically unable to place carts at the curb. A licensed physician’s certified statement is required. Apply through ATL311 at atl311.com or by calling 311.

🚫 5 Mistakes That Lead to Missed Service or Citations

  • Setting bulk items out before 7:00 p.m. the evening prior — City citation risk
  • Placing bulk items within 6 feet of garbage/recycling carts
  • Recycling in plastic bags — causes entire cart load to go to landfill
  • Forgetting that yard trimmings are every other week, not every week
  • Not canceling a bulk appointment by 3 p.m. the day before — counts against your 12/year limit
Contact

Contact Atlanta SWS & ATL311

ContactDetails
ATL311Dial 3-1-1 inside Atlanta, or 404-546-0311 from outside — missed pickups, bulk scheduling, cart issues, all non-emergency city services
SWS Collection Toolatl311.com — find your schedule, schedule bulk pickup, report missed collections, request carts
Department of Public Works55 Trinity Avenue SW, Suite 4700, Atlanta, GA 30303 · General: 404-330-6000
ATL311 AppFree iOS & Android — schedule lookup, bulk requests, missed pickup reports, real-time service alerts
CHaRM (Hard-to-Recycle)1110 Hills Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 · By appointment only · Electronics, hazardous waste, styrofoam, paint
Holiday Scheduleatlantaga.gov — SWS Holiday Collections Schedule
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions — Atlanta Trash Pickup

Trash collection is once per week in Atlanta, but your specific day depends on your address. Use the Collection Day Finder at the top of this page, the SWS Collection Tool at atl311.com, or call 311 (404-546-0311 outside city). Recycling is collected on the same day as garbage. Note: recycling is weekly in Atlanta, not biweekly.
In Atlanta, recycling is always collected on the same day as your garbage — once per week. You don’t need to look up a separate recycling day. Use the Collection Day Finder at the top of this page or the SWS Collection Tool at atl311.com to confirm your day.
Go to atl311.com or call 311 to request a pickup at least one business day in advance. As of February 16, 2026, bulk collections happen on your regular weekly collection day. You get 12 free pickups per year; additional pickups cost $343.10 each. Do not place items curbside before 7:00 p.m. the evening prior, and cancel by 3:00 p.m. the day before if needed without losing a slot.
Yard trimmings are collected every other week in Atlanta, on your regular collection day. Confirm your exact weeks via the SWS Collection Tool at atl311.com. Use paper bags (max 35 lbs each) or a labeled 32-gallon container marked “YARD TRIMMINGS” on all four sides. Maximum 20 bags per collection — more than 20 requires scheduling a bulk pickup via ATL311.
Yes. Seven holidays cause a one-day delay in 2026: New Year’s Day (Jan 1, confirmed by City), MLK Day (Jan 19), Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (Jun 19), Labor Day (Sep 7), Thanksgiving (Nov 26), and Christmas Day (Dec 25). Presidents’ Day, Independence Day (Saturday), Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and Veterans’ Day do not affect collection. Collections were also suspended January 26, 2026 due to winter weather. Always check atlantaga.gov/solidwaste before any holiday week.
Place loose, empty, clean, and dry in the blue cart: paper, flattened cardboard, cartons, aluminum and steel cans, glass bottles and jars (lids removed), hard plastic containers #1–5 and #7 (lids removed), clamshell containers, books, and wrapping paper. Do not put in: plastic bags, foam, food-soiled items, electronics, batteries, clothing, cords, or building materials. Use Atlanta’s free Waste Wizard tool at atlantaga.gov to check any specific item.
Report via ATL311 at atl311.com or call 311 (404-546-0311). For missed bulk pickup, report within 24 hours. For garbage or recycling, report as soon as possible. First confirm your correct day using the Collection Day Finder above, and check for any holiday or weather delay.
Call 311 (404-546-0311 outside city) for all waste services, or use ATL311 online at atl311.com. The Department of Public Works is at 55 Trinity Avenue SW, Suite 4700, Atlanta, GA 30303, general line 404-330-6000. CHaRM (hard-to-recycle drop-off) is at 1110 Hills Street SE, by appointment.
No. Electronics and hazardous waste (paint, chemicals, batteries) cannot go in any curbside cart. Take them to Atlanta’s CHaRM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) at 1110 Hills Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315 — by appointment only. Atlanta also holds periodic Atlanta Recycles Day events for community drop-off. Schedule at atlantaga.gov/recycling.
Atlanta provides standard 96-gallon garbage and recycling carts. Senior citizens aged 65+ with income below the city threshold may qualify for a recycling fee exemption — download the application at atlantaga.gov or call 404-330-6240.
Official Source

Still Can’t Find Your Collection Day?

If the Collection Day Finder at the top of this page and all the information above haven’t resolved your question, use the official SWS tools below. The SWS Collection Tool at atl311.com is the most complete source — it shows your garbage day, recycling day, yard trimmings weeks, bulk pickup options, and holiday adjustments for your exact address.

🔍 Official Atlanta SWS Lookup & Contact Options

All of the following are free and will confirm your exact schedule and service type:

🔍 Open SWS Collection Tool 📞 Call 404-546-0311
SWS Collection Toolatl311.com — schedule lookup by address, bulk pickup scheduling, missed pickup reports, cart requests. Free ATL311 app (iOS & Android) available.
ATL311 (Phone)Dial 3-1-1 inside Atlanta or 404-546-0311 from outside. Available during business hours for schedule questions, bulk appointments, and all SWS services.
SWS Holiday Scheduleatlantaga.gov — Holiday Collections Schedule — official confirmed holiday delay dates published annually.
SWS Main Pageatlantaga.gov/solidwaste — service announcements, weather suspension notices, billing information.

You will leave this website when using any links above.

Outside City of Atlanta limits? Sandy Springs, Decatur, Brookhaven, College Park, and unincorporated Fulton or DeKalb County areas each have their own waste collection providers. Contact your specific city or county directly.
Nearby Cities

Trash & Recycling Schedules for Cities Near Atlanta

Looking for waste collection information in another southeastern city? Here are the five closest cities we’ve already covered:

🏭 Charlotte, NC 🏭 Nashville, TN 🏭 Memphis, TN 🏭 Jacksonville, FL 🏭 Tampa, FL