Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Chamblee
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Friday (with routes operating 4 days a week), based on your assigned neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once per week on the same designated day as your trash collection.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected once per week on the same designated day as your trash collection (loose leaf collection occurs the following day).
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential sanitation service is billed annually as a flat fee included directly on your DeKalb County property tax bill rather than through a monthly utility invoice.
Billing Cycle
Annual (Included on Property Tax Bill)
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
The City of Chamblee offers a 100% homestead tax exemption for qualifying seniors and disabled residents, as well as curbside pickup assistance exemptions for residents with physical disabilities.
City-issued 65 or 95-gallon cart Bin (Trash)
All trash must be bagged before being placed in the cart. Loose trash causes messy delays. Carts must be placed at the curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before, and by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Sealed boxes of broken glass
City-issued 65-gallon cart Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be cleaned, dried, and placed loose directly into the recycling cart. Do not bag recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and paper
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers
- ✓Food-grade aluminum cans
- ✓Rinsed tin or steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Plastic bags (do not bag recycling)
- ✕Food and liquids
- ✕Scrap metal or car parts
Yard Waste Bin
Limbs must be cut into 4-foot lengths and no larger than 6 inches in diameter. Piles cannot exceed 5' x 5' x 5'. Leaf debris is collected by a separate truck the day after regular sanitation.
Accepted Items
- ✓Limbs and branches
- ✓Brush
- ✓Leaves (collected separately)
- ✓Bagged dirt, sand, and mulch
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
On-demand (Special Pickup by appointment)
Placement
Items should be placed curbside. Do not place items out until you have scheduled the pickup and paid the required fees.
Accepted
- ✓ Couches, recliners, and sleeper sofas
- ✓ Washing machines and dryers
- ✓ Refrigerators and items containing Freon
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large brush piles and yard debris over 5 feet
Not Accepted
- ✕ Contractor-generated waste
- ✕ Landscaping debris from hired professionals
- ✕ Hazardous chemicals
A base fee of $75 is applied to every Special Pickup. In addition to the base fee, per-item fees apply (e.g., $100 for a refrigerator, $85 for a couch, $65 per mattress/box spring pair).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Chamblee often shifts Monday routes to Wednesday during Monday holidays. For Thursday/Friday holidays (like Thanksgiving), Thursday routes are usually collected on Wednesday, and Friday routes shift to Monday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection is completely suspended during the weeks of Thanksgiving and the Winter Holiday (Christmas).
The city publishes a highly specific annual 'Holiday Sanitation Schedule' on their website detailing the exact shift for every single holiday.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to DecemberDuring peak leaf season, remember that leaf debris is collected the day after your regular sanitation day. Ensure piles are placed at the curb, free of sticks and mulch, to be collected by the vacuum trucks.
Winter
November to JanuaryDuring the Thanksgiving and Winter Holiday (Christmas) weeks, standard yard waste collection is completely suspended so crews can focus on shifting garbage and recycling routes.
Spring
March to MaySpring landscaping projects often generate excess debris. If your yard waste pile exceeds the 5' x 5' x 5' limit, or if limbs are longer than 4 feet, it will be classified as a Special Pickup requiring a minimum $85 additional fee.
Local Tips & Community Info
Navigating the Chamblee Public Works Sanitation Routine
Unlike many municipalities that contract out their waste management, the City of Chamblee operates its own Public Works Department to handle residential garbage, recycling, and yard waste. Collections run four days a week, operating between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM. A major convenience for residents is the consolidated schedule: your trash, recycling, and standard yard clippings are all picked up on the exact same designated day. This streamlines your weekly routine and prevents the hassle of dragging different bins out multiple times a week.
City-Issued Roll Carts and Curbside Placement Rules
Every household is equipped with official city-branded roll carts. Typically, homes receive a 65-gallon or 95-gallon container for standard garbage and a 65-gallon cart specifically for single-stream recyclables. To keep neighborhood streets clear, regulations state that bins should not be rolled to the curb any earlier than 6:00 PM on the evening prior to your service day. A single address can possess a maximum of three carts. If you move into a newly built home or need to request a different size, you must submit a cart request form directly through the local government portal.
Cart Repairs and ADA Accessibility Exemptions
Wear and tear on plastic bins is inevitable, but you do not have to pay for basic maintenance. If your container suffers a broken lid or a cracked wheel, Public Works will supply replacement parts for free; simply call 770-986-5019. Additionally, Chamblee offers special accommodations for senior citizens and individuals with permanent or temporary disabilities. Eligible residents can request smaller 35-gallon carts that are easier to maneuver, or they can apply for a curbside exemption where sanitation workers will retrieve the bins directly from the house.
Leaf Debris vs. Standard Yard Waste Collection
While ordinary yard clippings like branches and brush are hauled away on your primary garbage day, leaf collection operates on a slightly shifted timeline. Leaf debris is scheduled for removal on the day immediately following your standard household collection. This staggered approach allows specialized trucks to efficiently manage the heavy volume of leaves, especially during the autumn drop, without overwhelming the standard sanitation routes.
Scheduling Special Bulk Item Removals
Old furniture, heavy appliances, and large household goods cannot be crammed into your weekly bin. For these oversized objects, you must arrange a special bulk pickup in advance with the city. When placing bulk items outside, it is vital to keep them away from storm drains and catch basins. Chamblee has strict stormwater runoff protections, and blocking drainage infrastructure with discarded furniture can lead to localized street flooding during heavy Georgia rainstorms.
Drop-off Facilities
DeKalb County Seminole Road Landfill
4203 Clevemont Road, Ellenwood, GA 30294
Materials Accepted
DeKalb North Transfer Station
4600 Buford Highway, Chamblee, GA 30341
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I legally place my trash bins at the curb in Chamblee?
Carts can be placed at the curb no earlier than 6:00 PM on the evening before your scheduled collection day. They should be removed promptly after pickup.
Who do I contact if my trash cart lid or wheel is broken?
You can call Chamblee Public Works directly at 770-986-5019. They provide replacement wheels and lids at no cost to the homeowner.
Are leaves collected on the same day as my normal garbage?
No. While regular yard waste like branches is picked up on your trash day, leaf debris is collected on the day immediately following your standard sanitation day.