Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Cartersville
Georgia municipal collections typically run weekly. Your exact service day is determined by your local county or city zoning schedule.
State Mandate
EPD laws restrict yard trimmings from being mixed with general household garbage.
City-Issued Cart Bin (Trash)
Place all household garbage securely inside the provided city cart. Ensure the lid is fully closed to keep out rain and wildlife. Do not leave loose bags on the ground, as automated trucks require all material to be contained within the bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Standard non-recyclable materials
City-Issued Recycling Cart Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is collected every other week based on your assigned Schedule A or Schedule B calendar. Place approved items loosely inside the cart. Do not bag your recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper, newspaper, and junk mail
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza boxes)
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
From Nov 1 to Mar 31, loose leaves may be piled near the sidewalk (never in the street). Year-round, grass clippings and small debris must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or a dedicated yard waste cart purchased from the city.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small brush and twigs
- ✓Tree trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Self-Haul to County Centers
Placement
Do not leave bulky junk at the curb expecting municipal collection. Haul the items directly to a Bartow County facility, making sure to bring a valid ID.
Accepted
- ✓ Household furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Large broken-down boxes
Not Accepted
- ✕ Commercial construction waste
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals and liquid paint
- ✕ Automotive engine parts
Cartersville residents can drop off up to 80 cubic feet (about one standard pickup truck load) per day free of charge at county collection centers. Larger loads will be redirected to the landfill and may incur standard tonnage fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled collection day falls on or after a major city-observed holiday, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week (e.g., Monday moves to Tuesday).
Yard Waste Exception
Brush and yard waste pickup routes are frequently suspended during the first half of a holiday week and generally resume on the Wednesday or Thursday following the holiday.
Always refer to the official City of Cartersville Holiday Schedule PDF published on the Public Works website to confirm exact shift dates, as they are updated annually.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Leaves Out of the Storm Drains
It is a violation of Cartersville local ordinances to blow or sweep leaves directly into the street, drainage ditches, or storm drains. This practice clogs the stormwater system and causes severe flooding. Always pile them neatly near the sidewalk.
Say No to Plastic Bags in the Recycling Bin
When utilizing your bi-weekly curbside recycling service, never enclose your recyclables inside plastic grocery or trash bags. Plastic bags tangle the sorting facility's machinery. Empty your clean containers loosely into the cart.
Biodegradable Bags Only for Yard Clippings
If you need to bag your grass clippings or small yard debris, you must exclusively use heavy-duty biodegradable paper yard bags. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited for yard waste and will be left at the curb by city crews.
Seasonal Information
Fall/Winter
November - MarchThe City of Cartersville operates its bulk leaf pickup program during these months. You may pile loose leaves safely near the curb or sidewalk, ensuring they do not spill over into the roadway or block pedestrian pathways.
Winter Holidays
December - JanuaryDuring the weeks of Christmas and New Year's Day, standard trash and recycling routes are typically delayed by one day. Additionally, brush and yard waste collections may be temporarily suspended early in the week to accommodate the holiday shift.
Spring/Summer
April - OctoberBulk loose leaf collection is officially suspended during the warmer months. All yard waste, including grass clippings from routine mowing, must be placed in a city-approved yard waste can or in biodegradable bags.
About Cartersville Waste Management
City-Operated Solid Waste Collection in Cartersville
The City of Cartersville Public Works Department directly manages residential solid waste, providing citizens with localized municipal service for their weekly garbage and recycling needs. Maintaining a city-run fleet allows Cartersville to streamline its routes and uphold consistent neighborhood standards. Residents are required to have their carts positioned correctly on their scheduled day, with all refuse bagged and fully contained inside the cart to prevent street litter and protect local storm drains.
Curbside Recycling on an Alternating Schedule
Cartersville actively encourages waste diversion through its residential curbside recycling program. To maximize efficiency, the city divides recycling collection into 'Schedule A' and 'Schedule B,' which alternate on a bi-weekly basis. It is crucial to place all accepted recyclables loosely inside your designated recycling bin—never sealed in plastic grocery bags. By properly sorting cardboard, clean paper, and plastic bottles, residents help extend the lifespan of the Bartow County landfill.
Comprehensive Yard Debris and Leaf Collection
Proper yard waste management is a priority in Cartersville, primarily to safeguard the city's stormwater infrastructure. During the seasonal window spanning November 1st through March 31st, the city offers bulk leaf pickup, permitting residents to pile loose leaves safely near the sidewalk. Outside of this bulk collection period, or when disposing of grass clippings, you must utilize biodegradable paper lawn bags or a designated yard waste can purchased directly from the city.
Managing Bulky Items and Heavy Refuse
For large items that cannot fit inside your weekly municipal cart, such as old furniture, appliances, or massive cleanout debris, residents must utilize the Bartow County Solid Waste Collection Centers. Cartersville residents with a valid county ID are permitted to drop off up to 80 cubic feet (approximately the size of a standard pickup truck bed) of waste per day at these local centers at no extra cost, offering an accessible solution for heavy household refuse.
Drop-off Facilities
Bartow County Landfill
40 Allatoona Dam Rd, Cartersville, GA 30120
Materials Accepted
Cedar Creek Collection Center
159 Cedar Creek Rd, Cartersville, GA 30121
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How does curbside recycling work in Cartersville?
The City of Cartersville provides a bi-weekly curbside recycling service. Neighborhoods are divided into 'Schedule A' and 'Schedule B' routes, which alternate weeks. You can view your specific calendar on the Public Works website. Always leave your recyclables loose in the bin, free from any plastic bags.
What am I supposed to do with grass clippings and leaves?
Between November 1st and March 31st, the city allows loose leaves to be piled near the sidewalk for bulk collection. For grass clippings, or during the off-season, all yard debris must be placed either in heavy-duty biodegradable paper bags or in a specialized yard waste cart purchased from the city.
Will the city pick up an old couch or mattress at my curb?
No, Cartersville's municipal sanitation crews do not offer free curbside collection for large bulk items. You must transport furniture, mattresses, and appliances yourself to a Bartow County Collection Center or the main landfill located on Allatoona Dam Road.
What happens to my trash day during a holiday week?
When a major holiday observed by the city occurs, standard trash and recycling routes are typically pushed back by one day for the rest of the week (e.g., Thursday pickup moves to Friday). Additionally, yard debris and brush collections are usually suspended for the first half of the holiday week.