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Georgia Trash Schedules

Select your city below to view up-to-date garbage, recycling, and bulk collection guidelines.

Waste Management & Recycling in Georgia

Solid waste management across Georgia is regulated by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) under the Department of Natural Resources [1.1.3], while day-to-day collection is managed by county public works departments and private haulers like Waste Management and Republic Services. The state enforces the Solid Waste Management Act, which aims to reduce reliance on landfills through local municipal planning and community recycling programs.

Georgia has distinct state-level regulations that impact curbside collection. The state heavily emphasizes diverting organic waste and problem materials from standard municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills. This includes strict statewide rules restricting yard trimmings disposal to dedicated yard trimmings waste landfills and rigorous tracking programs for scrap tires to prevent illegal dumping.

State Waste Initiatives

Yard Trimmings Restrictions

Under Georgia law, yard waste—such as leaves, grass clippings, and tree limbs—must be disposed of in specific yard trimmings waste landfills, not mixed with general waste. Local municipalities require residents to separate yard debris for dedicated brush collection, where it is diverted for mulching or composting.

Scrap Tire Management Program

The Georgia EPD Tire Management Unit strictly enforces regulations on scrap tires to prevent illegal tire dumps, which create severe fire and environmental hazards. Residents cannot put tires in regular curbside bins; they must be taken to permitted recycling centers or retail drop-offs where a statewide tire fee funds abatement and recycling initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw away yard clippings in my regular trash bin in Georgia?

No. Georgia state regulations require yard trimmings to be disposed of in specialized yard trimmings waste landfills, separated from general solid waste [1.1.1]. You must use designated paper lawn bags or personal yard waste bins for specialized brush collection, ensuring the material is handled properly.

What should I do with old car tires in Georgia?

Tires cannot go in your curbside trash. They must be taken to a permitted scrap tire sorting facility or retailer. The state collects a fee on new tire sales to fund the Solid Waste Trust Fund Grant Program, which supports tire cleanup, abatement, and statewide recycling efforts.