Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Marietta
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.
Green or Black Bin (Trash)
All household garbage must be securely bagged before being placed inside the cart. Carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on the scheduled collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Used hygiene products
Blue Bin (Recycling)
Place recyclables loosely in the bin. Do not bag your recyclables. Rinse all food containers completely before disposal.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Newspapers and magazines
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2)
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
Place in paper lawn bags or personal cans marked 'Yard Waste'. Limbs must be stacked neatly at the curb, separate from household trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Pine straw
- ✓Small tree limbs (under 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request or designated clean-up events
Placement
Bulk items must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on the scheduled special pickup day, completely clear of low-hanging wires and parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, chairs, tables)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large appliances (doors removed)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals)
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Vehicle parts
A nominal fee may apply for certain large appliances or excessive amounts of bulk trash. Residents should confirm costs when scheduling the pickup.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your scheduled collection day falls on or after an observed holiday, your pickup will be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
During holiday weeks with altered schedules, yard waste collection may be temporarily suspended to prioritize household garbage and recycling.
Always check the City of Marietta's official holiday schedule online or via their sanitation app for the most accurate updates.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep the Hoses Out of the Cart
Garden hoses, electrical cords, and holiday lights are known as 'tanglers'. They wrap around the sorting equipment at the recycling facility, causing dangerous jams and complete system shutdowns. Always throw these in your regular trash.
The Greasy Pizza Box Rule
While clean cardboard is highly recyclable, the grease and cheese stuck to the bottom of a pizza box ruin the paper fibers. Tear off the clean top half for the recycling bin and toss the greasy bottom half in the garbage.
Ditch the Plastic Bags
Never bag your recyclables in plastic grocery bags. The bags interfere with the sorting machinery. Toss your clean recyclables directly and loosely into your blue cart, and return empty plastic bags to a local grocery store for specialized recycling.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberDuring peak leaf-falling season, yard waste volume surges. Ensure all leaves are securely packed in biodegradable paper bags to prevent them from blowing into storm drains and causing neighborhood flooding.
Summer
June to AugustSummer pop-up storms in Georgia often result in downed branches. Remember that storm debris must still meet the city's size restrictions (under 4 feet in length) to be eligible for standard curbside yard waste pickup.
Winter
December to JanuaryFollowing the holidays, Marietta often provides specific instructions for live Christmas tree recycling. Trees must be completely stripped of lights, ornaments, and stands before being placed at the curb for collection.
About Marietta Waste Management
Comprehensive Residential Waste Solutions in Marietta
Maintaining the charm of Marietta's historic districts and thriving neighborhoods requires an efficient waste management system. The City of Marietta Sanitation Division provides comprehensive curbside collection services, including household garbage, recycling, and yard trimmings. By actively participating in these municipal programs, residents help sustain Cobb County's local environment and keep neighborhood streets pristine year-round.
Understanding Your Curbside Collection Schedule
To ensure seamless service, Marietta residents are assigned specific days for household trash, recycling, and vegetative waste collection. The city utilizes automated and semi-automated trucks, meaning proper cart placement is essential. Carts must be positioned at the curb with the arrows facing the street and at least three feet of clearance from mailboxes, parked vehicles, and utility poles to prevent missed pickups.
Maximizing Recycling Efforts in Cobb County
Marietta's single-stream recycling program is designed to divert reusable materials from local landfills. While convenience is a priority, accuracy is just as important. The city encourages residents to focus on clean, dry paper, cardboard, and rigid plastics. Importantly, glass is no longer accepted in the curbside blue carts and must be taken to designated drop-off centers within Cobb County to prevent contamination.
Navigating Yard Debris and Brush Pickup
Given Georgia's lush landscape, managing yard waste is a significant part of Marietta's sanitation operations. The city collects grass clippings, leaves, and small branches on a designated weekly schedule. For smooth collection, all loose yard debris must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or standard 32-gallon cans, as plastic bags are strictly prohibited for organic waste.
Drop-off Facilities
Cobb County Transfer Station
1897 County Services Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30008
Materials Accepted
Advanced Disposal - Marietta Drop-Off
4696 Canton Rd, Marietta, GA 30066
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to put my trash carts out in Marietta?
All waste and recycling carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on your scheduled collection day to ensure they are serviced.
How do I safely dispose of leftover liquid paint?
The city does not collect liquid paint. You must dry it out completely by mixing it with kitty litter or sand until solid. Once hardened, the paint cans can be placed in your regular household trash cart with the lids removed.
Does Marietta collect glass in the curbside recycling carts?
No. Glass is highly destructive to the single-stream recycling machinery. Marietta residents should take glass bottles and jars to a designated Cobb County drop-off recycling center.
How can I get an old couch or mattress picked up?
You must contact the City of Marietta Sanitation Division to schedule a special bulk pickup. Do not place the item at the curb until your specific pickup day is confirmed by the city.